Thomas Adès has come a long way since his early days as a wunderkind of the classical new music scene. Now turning 40 this year, the composer/conductor/pianist stands, in the words of The New Yorker, as "one of the most imposing figures in contemporary music." To celebrate his birthday, EMI Classics is releasing a 2-CD retrospective of his works thus far, along with two new world premiere recordings with the composer as solo pianist performing his three Mazurkas and his Concert Paraphrase on Powder Her Face. Adès has received great attention the past year, with Musical America crowning him Composer of the Year, and both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall dedicating mini-festivals to his works. It is the mix of integrity and accessibility, along with a deep humanity flecked with a wicked sense of humor, that make his output so compelling. Showcasing various themes of Adés" work, from operatic and orchestral works to chamber, vocal and solo pieces, this 2-CD set makes a for perfect introduction the composer and his music.