Revision of Larry Hoffman from Fri, 12/23/2016 - 16:59

About Larry

Baltimore City - Station North A&E District

Grammy-nominee Larry Hoffman is an award-winning composer whose works have been performed throughout the United States and in Europe. While earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in theory and composition from the Peabody Conservatory, he received grants from the Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard and the American Music Center. Upon graduation, Larry was the recipient of Peabody’s Gustav Klemm Award… more

View Larry's Resume

String Quartet No.2

In String Quartet No. 2 I extended my concept, employing four different keys -- sequentially -- each joined to the other in turn, until all were spun together as a fugue standing as the work's climax. The Dover Quartet, who recorded this work as The Old City Quartet, also premiered this piece in concert. The Dover ensemble is simply wonderful; and, at the time of the recording, was the finest string quartet at the renowned Curtis Institute of Music -- and the first string quartet in residence there.

Among their many prizes and awards are as follows: three Special Prizes at the 2013 Banff International String Quartet Competition, the highly prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award, Lincoln Center's Hunt Family Award, the grand prize at the Fischoff Competition, and special prizes at the Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition. Their recording of this work can be found on the recorded compilation: "Mozart & The Contemporaries ," 2011 (CRS CD1191) ©2011 CRS Artists
https://www.discogs.com/The-Old-City-String-Quartet-John-Russo-Mozart-The-Contemporary/release/8666307

String Quartet #2 Dover Quartet
"String Quartet No.2" by the Dover Quartet can be found on "Mozart & The Contemorary" CRS Records
Dover Quartet Premiere of "String Quartet No.2"

I had not yet heard of this quartet (then famous at their Philadelphia alma mater, the Curtis Institute of Music), but I was glad to hear that clarinetist John Russo, CEO of CRS Records, had engaged an excellent quartet to record my piece. They were then known as "The Old City Quartet." We had a few telephone conversations regarding the piece; and, when I said,"You know the work is polyphonic, written in four keys!" My friend Milena, the mega-talented violist of the ensemble, responded: "We knew that!" And at that point I realized I was on board with some very special musicians. I regret to this day that I did not make the trip to Philadelphia to rehearse and work with them on the piece. It was on a teaching day; and I never miss them. My presence could not have improved their performance, however. They were amazing, and it is a day I will never forget. A small crowd huddled in a church outside of Philadelphia on that Sunday afternoon, anticipating the live program of a soon-to-be-released CD. The quartet was slightly late, and Milena called me to say they were on the way. When they arrived I showed them in, and offered them a room where they could relax after the drive, tune, and warm up. Hurrying with me into the hall, Milena said, "That's okay, we're good." And they immediately, soundlessly, took the stage, unpacked their instruments, and proceeded to flawlessly perform two premieres of contemporary works and Mozart's clarinet quintet, featuring the aforementioned John Russo at the helm -- without a break! The group's consummate attention to detail; their innate talent and ensemble rapport stunned me.. for lack of a better word. All the hard work over months bringing the work to life, all the countless hours were now repaid in full; and I will always be grateful for their work and that day!
Program: premiere of String Quartet No.2 / Dover Quartet
String Quartet No. 7 : SIMPLY BLUETIFUL

In this quartet I tried to unite a blues ambience with an obvious romantic touch, one akin to a jazz ballad, or a sweeping nocturne. I extended harmonies in a traditional way, but one never found in blues.

New Works 2010-2013

These are among the works I am hoping to release on my next CD-- although musicians have been chosen, the following examples are midi--generated by my Sibelius software-

The Piano Trio #1 is scheduled for a world premiere in March, 2014
Blues For Brass Quintet has been submitted for a world premiere performance in 2015-- both on the Candlelight Series, associated with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Among the musicians include:
Andrew Balio, Principal trumpet
John Locke, Percussion
Kristin Ostling, Cello
Ken Goldstein, Violin
all members of the Baltimore Symphony''
As well as pianist Myriam Avalos Teie, pianist
and recordist Edward Tetreault, Manager of Peabody Conservatory's recording program

Blues for Brass Quintet

A blues/atonal synthesis for brass quintet
piano-trio-1afterclickpublishing-2013.mp3
blues-for-brass-quintetafterclickproductions-2013-.mp3
larry-hoffman-7-14-11fc6a.jpg

Speakin' Of the Blues / video series

Speakin of the Blues / Segment #1-7: The Harold Washington Library in Chicago, IL; May 9, 2008 / Host Barry Dolins introduces featured artist, composer Larry Hoffman, who discusses his work "String Quartet #1: The Blues," demonstrated by The New Millennium Orchestra String Quartet: Elizabeth Choi, first violin; Blagomira Lipari, second violin; Dominic Johnson (leader), viola; and Eric Schaeffer, violoncello.

Hoffman is interviewed by--and discusses various aspects of the blues with --host Barry Dolins, series founder, blues aficionado, and Chicagos Deputy Director at the Mayors Office Of Special Events.

These videos are presented courtesy of the Music Division of the Chicago Public Library: Christopher Popa, Executive Producer of video, and Director, Music Information Center.

Digital / audio transfer by Ed Tetreault, manager of The Peabody Conservatory Department of Recording Arts & Sciences.

String Quartet # 1 : The Blues : Larry Hoffman/Speakin' Of The Blues w/ Barry Dolins

Woodwind Quintet #3: Old-Time Music

Composed in 2015-16, this is my homage to "Old-Time Music," the country music (or "hillbilly music" as it was called) in the 1920's and 1930's. I spent many hours as a teenager playing and singing this music for and with friends--employing my arsenal of guitar, harmonica, autoharp, and banjo. This genre is closely linked to the folk dances of the period, which accounts for the titles of the two movements. I felt that the woodwind quintet --a favorite medium of mine--was a perfect one to bring out the exuberance and sweetness of this overlooked and wonderful American folk music.

Woodwind Quintet #3: Old - Time Music

This is my homage to Old-Time or Old-Timey music, the genre of country music that preceded and informed bluegrass. It had its day in the 1920s and 30's and is said to be the oldest form of indigenous American folk music, with the exception of Native American music. I spent many hours as a teenager playing this music with friends--and believe it should be represented in the repertoire of American serious concert music. Both movements reflect the American folk dances that evolved simultaneously with this genre of music.

Three Moods for Oboe and Piano

This is my three-movement work, "Three Moods for Oboe and Piano," completed in 2016. It coaxes an equal instrumental partnership geared to exploit the unique qualities of both oboe and the piano in a variety of moods. I was honored by its being chosen by the Peabody Conservatory Friedheim Library as the featured "new score."

Three Moods For Oboe and Piano.jpg

"Three Moods for Oboe and Piano" was selected in 2016 as a featured "new score" in the Peabody Conservatory Library.
Three Moods for Oboe and Piano (2013) / Larry Hoffman

This is a three-movement work for Oboe and Piano; The score is currently on display in the "new in the library" showcase of the Friedheim Library of the Peabody Conservatory; Johns Hopkins University

String Quartet #1: The Blues ; lecture/ performance

This is my most-performed work. At least five string quartets have performed it both here in the USA and abroad. It had its premiere as part of the Smithsonian Institution Chamber Music Series, the fine Axelrod String Quartet receiving standing ovations at the conclusion of both performances that weekend. It has been peformed in Sweden multiple times, and featured on local television in Baltimore. The present performance was part of a program held at Harold Washington Library in Chicago during the same weekend that my "Three Songs for Bluesman and Orchestra" -- a work commissioned by the Chicago Sinfonietta--was premiered at Dominican College and repeated the next evening at Symphony Center, home of the Chicago Symphony.

"Speaking of The Blues," a program held at Chicago's Harold Washington Library on May 9, 2008, featured composer Larry Hoffman and his work, "String Quartet #1: The Blues," as performed by the New Millennium Orchestra String Quartet : Elizabeth Choi, first violin; Blagomira Lipari, second violin; Dominic Johnson (leader), viola; and Eric Schaeffer, violoncello.

I was interviewed by--and discussed various aspects of the blues with host Barry Dolins, series founder, blues aficionado, and Chicago's Deputy Director at the Mayor's Office Of Special Events.

This video is presented courtesy of the Music Division of the Chicago Public Library: Christopher Popa, Executive Producer of video; and Director, Music Information Center, Chicago Public Library.

Digital / audio transfer by Ed Tetreault, manager of The Peabody Conservatory Department of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Music Division Of The Chicago Public Library
Composer / Speaker: Larry Hoffman
Host / Speaker: Barry Dolins
Musicians: New Millennium Orchestra String Quartet
Violin I: Elizabeth Choi
Violin 2: Blagomira Lipari
Viola (leader): Dominic Johnson
Violoncello: Eric Schaeffer
Music Information Director: Christopher Popa
Digital Transfer: Ed Tetreault
Eighteen Hammers by Johhny Lee Moore ©Atlantic/Rhino runs over beginning credits.

String Quartet No 1. The Blues Larry Hoffman

This is the work that marked my return to composition after a long absence during which I became a blues journalist and record producer. It was a wonderful leap into a music that had meant so much to me earlier in my life. I traveled the country, hearing and meeting bluesmen and women, writing about them, and sometimes discovering them, helping them jump-start a career. Along the way I garnered a Grammy nomination, and awards for producing and writing about the blues internationally. I was talked back into composing by three very close friends who reminded me of what they felt was my "greater purpose." It hit a nerve, and after a while I decided to write a string quartet, which I always felt to be a badge of authenticity for a real composer. My deal with myself was : if it failed, I would continue on my blues path. If it succeeded I would trudge on, trying to create blues -inspired works that would bring a new dimension and respect to that wonderful music.
Works of Larry Hoffman

String Quartet No.1 can also be heard on my CD "Works of Larry Hoffman" as performed by the fine Atlantic String Quartet (of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra). They have performed the work often, and do a fine job on this recording. In fact, this ensemble was the very first to have played this work!
String Quartet No.1 World Premiere .jpg

My first string quartet was premiered by the Axelrod Quartet as part of the Smithsonian Chamber Music Series. It received a standing ovation both nights! What a treat... Thank you, Axelrod Quartet!
Weber Quartet Stockholm, Sweden.png

The Weber String Quartet heard about the piece and performed it in Stockholm a number of times.
String Quartet No.1: CHICAGO.png

String Quartet No. 1 was performed as part of Chicago's "Classical Monday" series. The group was put together by violist Dominic Johnson, and included Jeff Yang, violin1; Matt Albert, violin 2; and Nicholas Photinos, cello. Thanks to Matt and Nicholas of "Eighth Blackbird".
String Quartet No. 1 : The Atlantic String Quartet.png

This was the Baltimore premiere of "String Quartet No.1: The Blues" featuring the Atlantic String Quartet, made up of artists from the Baltimore Symphony. It got some press in the Baltimore Sun, and there was sure to be a crowd as it is my hometown, and I had been teaching and playing there for years, so I kind of expected it. I will never forget this day. It was the last day of March, and it snowed like crazy! A wild snowstorm and the hall was packed! This is the quartet who recorded the piece on my CD.
String Quartet #1: The Blues / Atlantic String Quartet

The Baltimore premiere of String Quartet No.1: The Blues was performed by the Atlantic String Quartet. It is this performance that is found on my CD "Works of Larry Hoffman: Contemporary American Music."
STRING QUARTET NO 1 Sun.png

The Baltimore Sun covered the Baltimore premiere of my "String Quartet No.1"