A violinist and organist, Leopold Hofmann enjoyed a considerable reputation also as a composer in the Vienna of his time, regarded by some, and certainly by himself, as a rival to Haydn. He was organist and master of music at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna from 1772 until his death. Mozart was appointed his unpaid deputy in 1790, with the right of succession, but Hofmann, though ailing, outlived him.

Church Music

Hofmann wrote a quantity of church music in the style current in Vienna – the Baroque modified by more recent Italian influences.

Orchestral Music

In writing for the orchestra Hofmann drew on the influence of Mannheim, coupled with current trends in Vienna. He wrote a number of symphonies and concertos, the latter including works for solo harpsichord, for flute, for violin and for cello.