Complete Josef Hofmann, Volume 5

Josef Hofmann is widely considered by his peers to be the greatest pianist of his time. This 2-disc set, which includes notes by Harold Schonberg, chronicles Hofmann's later career and features material never before heard on CD. Ward Marston, a renowned transfer engineer, presents a treasure trove designed to captivate both pianophiles and archivists.

The first highlight of the set is Hofmann's 1935 Victor test recordings, which include all known alternate takes. These recordings offer a glimpse into the pianist's creative process and showcase his exceptional technical prowess. Additionally, encores from a 1938 Philadelphia concert reveal Hofmann's more playful and superficial side, while his problematic Bell Telephone Hour broadcasts provide a well-rounded representation of his recorded repertoire. Standout performances from these broadcasts include a simple, unforced rendition of Debussy's "Clair de Lune" and a rollicking interpretation of Prokofiev's March, Op. 12, No. 1.

The real gems of the collection, however, are the five 1935 HMV test recordings. Chopin's F-sharp Nocturne, A-flat Waltz, Op. 42, and the Chopin/Liszt "Maiden's Wish" reveal Hofmann at his most unhurried, aristocratic, and purposeful. These recordings showcase the pianist's exceptional interpretative skills, his effortless command of the instrument, and his deep understanding of the music. The collection is further enhanced by a home recording of Gluck/Sgambati's "Mélodie" from Orfeo, which provides a fitting conclusion to this important and meticulously annotated release.

In summary, this 2-disc set curated by Harold Schonberg and Ward Marston offers a captivating glimpse into the later career of Josef Hofmann, one of the most revered pianists of his time. The inclusion of rare and previously unheard recordings, coupled with the exceptional sound quality and scholarly annotations, make this a must-have for pianophiles and music historians alike.

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