Heinrich Anton Hoffmann was born 1770 in Mainz. Around 1790, he joined the orchestra at the Court of the Prince-Elector, the Archbishop of Mainz, then under the direction of Vincenzo Righini. After the conquest of Mainz in 1792, the Royal household relocated to Aschaffenburg. Hoffmann left the Court Orchestra in 1799 and joined the Frankfurt Theatre Orchestra. Around that time he began to perform as a soloist, with great success. In June 1806, his publisher André wrote that he would prefer to publish his latest Violin Concerto instead of the agreed Duo and a pair of Symphonies. In 1811, Hoffmann was appointed concert master at the Frankfurt Orchestra. From 1817 to 1835, he was Vice-Kapellmeister and from 1819-1821 Music Director at Frankfurt’s Stadttheater.
Among his published works are vocal music with political character (Lobgesang an die Retter Deutschlands, Kantate für gemischten Chor und Orchester, Sechs Gesänge für Freimaurer), piano music, six String Quartets and two Violin Concertos. Contrary to the wishes of his publisher, Hoffmann decided not to put in print more Symphonies and Concertos but concentrated on writing Duos for Violin and Violoncello, ten of which were published. The excellent quality of Hoffmann’s works did not prevent their fall into obscurity.
Audio excerpt — Heinrich Anton Hoffmann
Allegro con brio from Deux Duos pour Violon et Violoncelle
dédiés à Messieurs les Frères Romberg op. 6
