Magdalena Hoffmann, the acclaimed solo harpist for the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, returns with her second album on Deutsche Grammophon, "Fantasia," a captivating exploration of Baroque music. This 17-track collection, set for release on September 6, 2024, features a mesmerizing array of fantasias and preludes originally composed for keyboard or lute by Johann Sebastian Bach, his sons Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philipp Emanuel, and their contemporaries. Hoffmann's virtuosity shines as she transcends the boundaries of her instrument, imbuing each piece with new dynamic and spatial dimensions.
Recorded in the acoustically rich Bibliothekssaal in Polling, "Fantasia" showcases Hoffmann's ability to channel the improvisational spirit and formal rigor of the Baroque period. The album spans a diverse range of compositions, from the intricate "Fantasia in F-Sharp Minor, H. 300 'Bachs Empfindungen'" by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach to the elegant "Prelude in C Minor, BWV 921" by Johann Sebastian Bach. Each track is a testament to Hoffmann's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless works.
With a duration of just over an hour, "Fantasia" is a rich and rewarding listening experience, perfect for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Hoffmann's debut album, "Nightscapes," earned her the 2022 Opus Klassik Young Talent of the Year award, and "Fantasia" promises to further cement her status as one of the most exciting harpists of her generation.
