Hofmann, Josef

views updated

Hofmann, Josef [ Kazimierz, Józef] (b Podgorze, Kraków, 1876; d Los Angeles, 1957). Polish-born pianist and composer (Amer. cit. 1926). Son of a pianist-cond. and opera singer, showed prodigious talent and made début as pianist at 6, appearing as soloist with Berlin PO at 9. Toured Eur., made NY début at 11 (1887). Amer. tour halted midway by action of soc. for prevention of cruelty to children, enforcing unwilling retirement until he was 18. Returned to Eur. to study (unsuccessfully) with Moszkowski and then as only private pupil of Anton Rubinstein. Returned to platform 1894, followed by regular world tours. Settled principally in USA from 1898. Dir. of Curtis Inst. 1926–38. Final recital, NY 1946. One of greatest players of Chopin, Liszt, and romantics. Comp. sym., 5 pf. concs., pf. sonatas, and many pf. pieces. Sometimes used pseudonym ‘Michel Dvorsky’.

More From encyclopedia.com