Hofmann, Leopold

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Hofmann, Leopold

Hofmann, Leopold, notable Austrian organist, violinist, teacher, and composer; b. Vienna, Aug. 14, 1738; d. there, March 17, 1793. Following training in keyboard playing from Wagenseil, he pursued his career as an esteemed performing musician and composer in his native city. In 1766 he was made Kapellmeister at St. Peter’s. In 1769 he was appointed Hofklaviermeister and in 1772 2nd court organist. He also served as Essential- und Gnadenbildkapellmeister at St. Stephen’s Cathedral from 1772. His extensive output of sacred works represents an effective fusion of Austrian Baroque and Neapolitan styles. He also composed some 55 syms. in a galant style, concertos, chamber music, and lieder.

Bibliography

V. Kreiner, L. H. als Sinfoniker (diss., Univ. of Vienna, 1958); A. Badley, The Concertos of L. H. (1738–1793) (diss., Univ. of Auckland, 1976).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire