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
    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
    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
    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: 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
    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
    STRING QUARTET NO 1 Sun.png
    The Baltimore Sun covered the Baltimore premiere of my "String Quartet No.1"
    •