Bruno Hoffmann, a virtuoso of the glass harp, presents a captivating collection of chamber music on his album "The Art of the Glass Harp." Released on April 4, 2025, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to Hoffmann's mastery of the glass harp, an instrument known for its ethereal and hauntingly beautiful tones.
The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, featuring a diverse range of compositions performed on the glass harp. From the delicate and graceful "Andante & Grazioso in C Major" to the intricate and lively "Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte 'Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich'," Hoffmann's performances are a showcase of technical brilliance and emotional depth. The album also includes works by renowned composers such as Mozart, with his "Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617," and Naumann, with his "Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 2, Romance (Arr. Hoffmann for Glass Harp)."
Hoffmann's collaboration with pianist Ludwig Hoffmann adds a dynamic dimension to the album, particularly in the duet pieces. The album's production quality is top-notch, with Archiv Produktion ensuring that every nuance of the glass harp's unique sound is captured and presented to perfection.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Art of the Glass Harp" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Bruno Hoffmann's artistry and the exquisite beauty of the glass harp make this album a standout in the world of chamber music.
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AndanteJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): Ib. GraziosoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. Tempo di MenuettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Adagio in C Major for Glass Harmonica, K. 356 (Perf. on Glass Harp)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann
Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617 (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Helmut Winschermann, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617 (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. RondoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Helmut Winschermann, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Sonata No. 5 for Glass Harmonica in D Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Adagio ariosoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 5 for Glass Harmonica in D Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. AllegrettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 8 for Glass Harmonica in G Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 8 for Glass Harmonica in G Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. AllegrettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Duo for Glass Harmonica and Lute in G Major "Wie ein Hirt sein Volk zu weiden" (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Andante non troppoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Walter Gerwig, Bruno Hoffmann
Duo for Glass Harmonica and Lute in G Major "Wie ein Hirt sein Volk zu weiden" (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. ChoraleJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Walter Gerwig, Bruno Hoffmann
Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 2, Romance (Arr. Hoffmann for Glass Harp)Ludwig van Beethoven, Bruno Hoffmann
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Allegro furiosoFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): IIa. AndanteFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): IIb. AndanteFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Fantasia for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioVáclav Tomášek, Bruno Hoffmann
Fantasia for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. FugueVáclav Tomášek, Bruno Hoffmann
Grazioso for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp)Johann Friedrich Reichardt, Bruno Hoffmann
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