Gerhard Hoffmann (composer)

Gerhard Hoffmann (born November 11, 1690 in Rastenberg ; † around 1756 there) was a German composer and wind player .

Life

Gerhard Hoffmann studied mathematics and architecture in Jena and in 1719 became building manager for the Duke of Weimar . In the past, mathematical studies had drawn his interest from time to time to musical topics and he now wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the art of music. He therefore studied music theory under the conductor Johann Wilhelm Dresen. He composed many sacred cantatas and other church music , which pieces of music probably remained unpublished.

In 1727 Hoffmann is said to have improved the flute and oboe by adding a valve to these musical instruments. He also invented a pull on the violin , with which the mood could be changed immediately with the left hand from the choir to the concert pitch and back again. He also corrected the theory of temperature and made it easier to understand with a clear table. In 1736 he became mayor of his hometown Rastenberg and held this position until his death.

literature

• Philip Bate: Hoffmann, Gerhard . In Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians 2nd Edition, 2001, Vol.?, P. 595.
• Hoffmann, Gerhard . In: Gustav Schilling: Encyclopedia of the Entire Musical Sciences or Universal Lexicon of Tonkunst . Vol. 3 (1836), pp. 600f. ( online ).