Hofmann’s chamber music is of special interest. The instrumentation itself is often original; we look in vain for string quartets in his oeuvre. At first glance the Octet for Flute, Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, Two Violins, Viola, and Violoncello reminds us of the classical serenade, but at the same time it has a deeply felt romantic tone and is very original in its formal design. The Serenade for Flute and String Quintet marked by the fascinating contrast between virtuoso flute parts and intimate string parts is enchanting.
