Self-Portrait

Parry Karp (cello), Christopher Karp (piano), Gary Hoffman (cello), Frances Karp (piano), Howard Karp (piano), Katrin Talbot (viola), Christopher Karp (violin), Kiev Chamber Orchestra, Roman Kofman

Catalog #: TROY1045
Release Date: September 1, 2008
Format: Digital
Chamber

The works on this recording span 25 years -- from the Sonata for Cello (1982) to unaccompanied minor (2007). Joel Hoffman comments that, "Like so many composers of my generation, I have worked, over these years, with a number of stylistic dialects -- from a hybrid serialism to a tonal/pan-tonal mix to a folk-inspired modal work to a post-minimalist framework. While I'm arguably the least qualified to describe the threads of continuity...I do observe two persistent qualities...a pervading lyricism and a rhythmic vitality." Hoffman is currently Professor of Composition at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music, where he is also Artistic Director of its annual new music festival, MusicX.

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Track Listing

Title Composer Performer
Sonata for Cello and Piano Joel Hoffman Parry Karp, cello, Christopher Karp, piano
unaccompanied minor Joel Hoffman Parry Karp, cello
Self-Portrait with Gebirtig Joel Hoffman Gary Hoffman, cello, Kiev Chamber Orchestra, Roman Kofman, conductor
Karptet Joel Hoffman Christopher Karp, violin, Katrin Talbot, viola, Parry Karp, cello, Howard and Frances Karp, piano

Reviews

  • "[Joel Hoffman's] music is friendly, positive stuff with a certain amount of jazz influence...This is a pleasant program beautifully performed."

    – American Record Guide

  • "Joel Hoffman...writes music in a full-throated lyrical mode All these pieces sing and breathe with an ample, generos spirit. ...a memorable melodic line with clear phrasing; rich harmonies with a strong sense of progression; propulsive, infectious rhythms; and an obvious desire to communicate with listeners."

    – Fanfare

*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.