BRYNJAR HOFF - BIOGRAPHY
Professor Harald Herresthal
The Norwegian State Academy of Music
The Norwegian State Academy of Music
1940-1958
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The Norwegian oboe player Brynjar Hoff (b. 1940) comes from a known musician's family. He started playing the oboe in 1950. At the age of 15 he was employed as principal oboist in Trondheim Symphony Orchestra. He soon was given solistic challenges with Trondheim Chamber Orchestra and performed several times with them on the radio.
In 1958 the Norwegian Opera was founded under the direction of Kirsten Flagstad. After auditioning Brynjar Hoff was employed as the first solo oboist in the Opera Orchestra. The same year he had his first appearance with Oslo Philharmonic performing Albinoni's Oboe concerto op. 7 no. 6. Each and all critics emphasised his unique talent.
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1959 - 1972
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In 1959 Hoff was one of the founders of Oslo Wind Quintet, that for years performed in their own radio programmes as well as in chamber music series. In 1965 Hoff was employed as alternate solo oboist in Oslo Philharmonic. This orchestra, as well as Oslo City Orchestra and the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, used him frequently as soloist.
From 1965 and onwards he started playing with the pianist Robert Levin. In 1971 Brynjar Hoff again contributed in founding a new wind ensemble, Oslo Wind Soloists. Their first appearance in 1972 was highly acclaimed with headings like "Fantastic" and "Outstanding". In the fall 1973 Brynjar Hoff gave his first recital in Oslo University Hall. "He takes a very honourful seat amongst the elite of our instrumentalists. He was met with standing ovations at the end of the programme and he deserved it well"; wrote Reimar Riefling in Verdens Gang (largest afternoon paper in Norway). "The sound of his oboe is incredibly soft and supple, the technique is with the ease of an innate, natural talent, and above all there is never a dull or indifferent phrase in his interpretations. He shows a total human and artistic commitment", were the words of Johan Kvandal, Aftenposten (largest morning paper). Similar reviews have followed Hoff during his entire career. But the reviews and the reactions from his audiences are not only concerning his playing. On stage Hoff has an irresistible charm and outstanding artistic delivery.
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