Josef Hofmann (1876-1957) was a Polish-born American virtuoso pianist, composer, and inventor. Celebrated for his remarkable technique and expressive performances, Hofmann's career spanned the transition from the Romantic era into the early 20th century. He was one of the most esteemed concert pianists of his time, and his recordings continue to be admired for their poetic interpretation and pianistic finesse.

Born in Podgórze, which was then part of Poland under Austrian rule, Hofmann demonstrated prodigious talent at a young age. His father, himself a professional musician, was his first teacher. Hofmann made his concert debut at the age of 5 and by 10, he was performing internationally. His fame grew rapidly, leading to a celebrated career that included thousands of concerts and many recordings. Hofmann also ventured into composition, leaving behind a legacy of works that, although less frequently performed, reveal a deep understanding of the piano and an elegant compositional style. His wide repertoire and recordings of Chopin, Beethoven, Liszt, and many others have been highly praised and continue to be studied and celebrated by pianists and classical music enthusiasts today. Despite retiring from the concert stage in 1948 due to health issues, Josef Hofmann's impact on the world of classical piano endures through his preserved performances, which have become essential historical documents of pianistic art.

Genres

Historic Piano Performance

Polish Classical Piano

Related Artists

Vladimir Horowitz

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Martha Argerich

András Schiff

Arthur Rubinstein

Murray Perahia

Mitsuko Uchida

Krystian Zimerman

Ferruccio Busoni

Sviatoslav Richter

Claudio Arrau

Radu Lupu

Latest Release

Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 11 (2024 Remaster)

Frédéric Chopin•

Josef Hofmann

Single - Released August 12, 2024