Immerse yourself in the ethereal sounds of the glass harp with Bruno Hoffmann's captivating album, "The Art of the Glass Harp." Released on April 4, 2025, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this collection of chamber music showcases Hoffmann's mastery of the glass harp, an instrument known for its hauntingly beautiful and delicate tones.
The album spans a generous 19 tracks, each meticulously performed by Bruno Hoffmann, and offers a diverse range of compositions that highlight the versatility and expressive power of the glass harp. From the serene and graceful movements of "Andante & Grazioso in C Major" to the lively and spirited "Rondo" in "Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617," the album is a testament to Hoffmann's technical skill and artistic sensitivity.
Hoffmann's interpretations of classical pieces, including works by Mozart and other composers, are rendered with a freshness and clarity that bring out the unique qualities of the glass harp. The album also features lesser-known works, such as "Duo for Glass Harmonica and Lute in G Major 'Wie ein Hirt sein Volk zu weiden'" and "Fantasia for Glass Harmonica," providing a rich and varied listening experience.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "The Art of the Glass Harp" is a comprehensive exploration of the instrument's capabilities, offering both familiar and new repertoire that will delight classical music enthusiasts and curious listeners alike. The album's high-quality recordings, available in various formats including Dolby Atmos, ensure an immersive and engaging listening experience.
Bruno Hoffmann's dedication to the glass harp is evident in every note, making this album a standout contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned listener or new to the glass harp, this album promises a captivating journey through the enchanting sounds of this remarkable instrument.
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AndanteJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): Ib. GraziosoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Andante & Grazioso in C Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. Tempo di MenuettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Adagio in C Major for Glass Harmonica, K. 356 (Perf. on Glass Harp)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann
Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617 (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Helmut Winschermann, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Adagio & Rondo for Glass Harmonica, Flute, Oboe, Viola & Cello, K. 617 (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. RondoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Hoffmann, Gustav Scheck, Helmut Winschermann, Emil Seiler, August Wenzinger
Sonata No. 5 for Glass Harmonica in D Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Adagio ariosoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 5 for Glass Harmonica in D Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. AllegrettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 8 for Glass Harmonica in G Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Sonata No. 8 for Glass Harmonica in G Major (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. AllegrettoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Bruno Hoffmann
Duo for Glass Harmonica and Lute in G Major "Wie ein Hirt sein Volk zu weiden" (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Andante non troppoJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Walter Gerwig, Bruno Hoffmann
Duo for Glass Harmonica and Lute in G Major "Wie ein Hirt sein Volk zu weiden" (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. ChoraleJohann Gottlieb Naumann, Walter Gerwig, Bruno Hoffmann
Leonore Prohaska, WoO 96: No. 2, Romance (Arr. Hoffmann for Glass Harp)Ludwig van Beethoven, Bruno Hoffmann
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. Allegro furiosoFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): IIa. AndanteFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Duet for Harmonica and Pianoforte "Der durch Musik überwundene Wüterich" (Perf. on Glass Harp): IIb. AndanteFranz Xaver Schnyder von Wartensee, Bruno Hoffmann, Fritz Neumeyer
Fantasia for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp): I. AdagioVáclav Tomášek, Bruno Hoffmann
Fantasia for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp): II. FugueVáclav Tomášek, Bruno Hoffmann
Grazioso for Glass Harmonica (Perf. on Glass Harp)Johann Friedrich Reichardt, Bruno Hoffmann