Hofmann, Leopold (1738-1793)

Concerto C1, the last of Hofmann’s keyboard concertos to be advertised in the Breitkopf catalogue (Supplement XV, 1776–1777), is one of a group of works owned by his pupil Archduchess Elisabeth. On the basis of its watermarks, her copy of C1 appears to date from ca1764. Although the work’s date of composition is unknown, Concerto C1 is one of Hofmann’s earliest datable keyboard concertos and is notable for its fuller instrumentation (which includes oboes and horns in the outer movements) and its restricted keyboard range which may signify its origins as an organ concerto. proof that the work was performed on both organ and harpsichord can be found in the two copies preserved in the impressive collection of Hofmann’s key-board concertos in the music archive at Kroměříž. In spite of the prolix and stylistically primitive second solo in the opening Vivace, the movement’s large-scale musical architecture is thoroughly modern.