Hoffmann, Richard

1831-

English pianist, teacher and composer; born in Manchester. He was a pupil of his father, and then studied with Meyer, Pleyel, Moscheles, Rubinstein, Dohler, Thalberg and Liszt at various times. Hoffmann is perhaps better known in America than in his own country. He appeared as pianist in New York in 1847; then toured with Joseph Burke, a violinist and actor, through the United States. He played at a concert of the Philharmonic Society of New York; later became an honorary member, and appeared on their program for sixteen seasons. When Jenny Lind gave her first series of concerts in this country Hoffmann traveled with her as her first pianist. As a teacher in New York he won the admiration and regard of hundreds of pupils. His brilliant compositions are for the piano, and include some well-known Cuban dances.