Hofmann & MacDowell: Piano Works - Duncan Stearns

Duncan Stearns Performs Piano Music by MacDowell and Hofmann liner notes

The purpose of this recording is to exhibit the musical poetry of two virile composers who favored their chosen instrument, the piano. Both Hofmann and MacDowell wrote much that the general concert audience is unaware of today. While Hofmann recorded many of his outstanding performances of works by Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt, hardly any of his own compositions are available on disc. Whatever the striking divergences between Josef Hofmann and Edward MacDowell, both men share some distinguishing similarities: both men were sponsored by The Steinway Company in recital-tour (during which Hofmann of course received far more attention for his genius: even custom grand pianos and concert benches designed to fit his scaling); each composer-pianist was invited during his lifetime to perform his own original concerto with the New York Philharmonic; and each man was associated in high position with leading colleges in America. (MacDowell was the first head of the music department at Columbia University, NY, 1896-1904; Hofmann was first Director of The Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, 1926-1938.) Also, both composers were great sports enthusiasts, often spending their summer months near the New England coastline.