Hofmann, Leopold (1738-1793)

This edition presents as faithfully as possible Hofmann's final intentions as transmitted in the autograph score; the heavily-cancelled sections in the outer movements have been omitted. The text is for the most part unproblematic beyond the usual decisions as to whether to have the viola play in unison with the basso or at the octave.Where Hofmann's directions are not absolutely clear the editor has made his decision based on the musical context. Hofmann directs the flute to play with the first violins during the tutti sections - or, perhaps more accurately, directs the copyist to write out the first violin part in the solo part during these sections to serve as cues. As is usual in contemporary copies of Hofmann's concertos, there are no dynamic markings in the solo sections; these are left to the discretion and good taste of the performer.Where the style and notation of articulation and dynamic markings are inconsistent in the autograph these have been standardised throughout to avoid confusion. These editorial markings are indicated by the use of dotted slurs or brackets. Obvious wrong notes and slips of the pen have been corrected without comment; editorial emendations with no authority from the autograph are placed within brackets. Allan Badley