Hoffmeister, FA :: Terzetto

Terzetto for Three Flutes, set of parts only.

Franz Anton Hoffmeister was born at Rothenburg on the Neckar in 1754 and died in Vienna in 1812. He first studied law, but abandoned this in order to devote himself entirely to music, became a church choirmaster in Vienna and later founded a music publishing firm. He was very popular in Vienna and was a friend of many of the composers of his day, including Beethoven. In addition to a large number of works for the Church he composed operas, symphonies and chamber music, above all for the flute (160 flute quartets alone!). His compositions enjoyed great popularity during his lifetime, a fact which is borne out by the many reprints of his works in the other countries of Europe.

The Trio for Three Flutes here made available for music-making in the home is one of the most attractive works that came from his pen. Although it is really a musical joke, as the title suggests, the trio style is nevertheless preserved, also in respect of the arrangement of the individual movements. We hope that this work, which should also prove effective on other instruments, will find approval both as a trio for music in the home and as a music joke.