Track Listings (8) - Disc #1| All Artists: Frederic Chopin, Spoken Word, Hamilton Harty, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Josef Hofmann Title: The Chopin Concertos Members Wishing: 0 Total Copies: 0 Label: Video Artists Int'l Release Date: 10/10/1994 Album Type: Original recording remastered Genres: Special Interest, Classical Styles: Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Instruments, Keyboard Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 089948100225 |
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Search - Frederic Chopin, Spoken Word, Hamilton Harty :: The Chopin Concertos
 | Frederic Chopin, Spoken Word, Hamilton Harty The Chopin Concertos Genres: Special Interest, Classical
Josef Hoffman was a pianist of transcendent technique, rhythmic acuity and precise articulation in even the fastest passages. He didn't record much, but these concert recordings from 1936 and 1938 crackle with the palpable... more » |
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Amazon.com Josef Hoffman was a pianist of transcendent technique, rhythmic acuity and precise articulation in even the fastest passages. He didn't record much, but these concert recordings from 1936 and 1938 crackle with the palpable tension of a live performance, inspiring him to communicative heights. The uncredited accompanists are reliably said to be John Barbirolli and the New York Philharmonic. Hofmann's playing is suffused with color and inner detail, and the works are as compelling as any recorded since. Bonuses are a brief excerpt from a London performance of the Concerto No. 1 and a hokey radio interview with the pianist. This is Volume One of a Hofmann series that now runs to five volumes on VAI and Marston Records. --Dan Davis Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsClassical, unsentimental Chopin 05/18/1999 (5 out of 5 stars) "Josef Hofmann's recording of Chopin concertos are one of the most classically played version of these works. He plays without extra schmaltz or affectation, and his rubatos are well-controlled. It is so refreshing to hear these concertos played this way, instead of over-sentimentalized or bland manner so common these days. First concerto is especially beautifully played, with exquisite color and control (one may also tempted to say "masculine"). The second concerto is in every way comparable to Alfred Cortot's famous recording, although their approaches are very different (Cortot is dashingly Romantic, whereas Hofmann is more sober). The orchestra does its job competantly. The sound is improved astonishingly, compared to Dante transfer appeared several years ago. This is a treat for piano buffs!" Josef Hofmann -- a Treat Richard Mathisen | Ambler, PA USA | 02/28/2000 (5 out of 5 stars) "Josef Hofmann is considered by many the supreme pianist of the century, especially in Chopin, but he left very few recordings. This CD (Vol 1) and the Golden Jubilee Recital (Vol 2) are the best examples of his art. Expect piano playing that is stunning, even captured with 1930's sound. Tempos are fast -- #1 goes by in 34 minutes (compared to Rubinstein's 40 minutes or Zimerman's 46 minutes). If you've never heard Hofmann, you have a treat in store for you. If you have already heard Hofmann, then you don't need this review!" Great historical testament to an incredible pianist dm | rochester, ny | 03/10/2005 (5 out of 5 stars) "Josef Hofmann's piano technique is so effortless that it really needs to be heard to be believed. This CD is a historical recording and a great testament to the musician. The sound was much better than I had anticipated. The interview, while not adding much to the value, was still very interesting to hear. The final short selection, which is a snippet from the 1st concerto from a BBC shortwave broadcast, has absolutely terrible sound but Hofmann's brilliant playing is even more evident than in the full concertos.
A must buy for all Hofmann fans and lovers of classical piano." |
