Meisteratelier für Geigenbau · Bamberg
István Várdai, Cellist
Schumann Cellokonzert in A Minor, on a cello by Carsten Hoffmann (Stradivari model, 2010)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ab2xszH4-8
Schumann Abendlied
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxmhRvRe-zc
Mendelssohn, Variations concertantes, on a cello by Carsten Hoffmann (large Ruggieri model, 2014)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuYNQeaibEk
Nimrod Guez, baroque violin:
J.S. Bach, Sonate a-moll, Andante, on a violin by Veronika Dreysse (Stainer model, 2011)
István Várdai, Cellist
»Carsten Hoffmann I accidentally met at a trade show in Kronberg within the Kronberg Academy Festival 2011 and tried his latest Cello (a Stradivari model), which was just finished.
Immediately I fell in love with this cello. Both sound-wise and in appearance it has impressed me very deeply, my expectations to an extremely high sound quality combined with artisanal subtleties were met and I knew I must have this cello. In the following years Carsten Hoffmann has experimented with bigger models, which also have all become very outstanding instruments.
I can say with conviction that Carsten Hoffmann controls his job masterfully and his cellos will last into the future.
He works enthusiastically along with the musicians and fulfills all wishes that can be realized in the adjusting of his own as well as other instruments. The impression of our personal collaboration can be found on many CD and concert recordings.
Carsten Hoffmann is one of the few modern luthier who are perfectly able to balance between an old tradition and new developments of modern times. You can hear, see and feel that.«
Martin Timphus, violist of the »Bamberger Symphoniker«
»Since 2009 I play on a wonderful viola by Carsten Hoffmann, a copy inspired by the famous „Conte Vitale“ made by Andrea Guarneri in 1676.
After a long search, I found "my" instrument, which is characterized by a powerful, yet very versatile and colourful sound. Projection is outstanding, even in problematic rooms and the playability is as easy as you can wish.
In chamber music, I can express myself on this viola quite personally, without ever having to "fight" to be heard. In the orchestra I am able to hear myself well and have great dynamic possibilities.
The sound of the instrument has actually developed over the years.
Thanks to Carsten for his great work, the loving care he devotes to his instruments and for his untiring inventive spirit!«
Hannah Vinzens, Ensemble "BachWerkVokal"
»Carsten Hoffmann and Veronika Dreysse both are wonderful violin makers.
I play an excellent baroque cello from their workshop, which had a high level from the very beginning and developed very quickly in terms of sound.
Both violin makers are very experienced, their advice is clear and honest and always oriented to the ideal of the perfect sound. They always take their time for thorough work . I appreciate the honest and sympathetic way you are met in this workshop! «
Lisanne Bendig, violist and violinist
»My violin, made by Veronika Dreysse in 2014, has touched my viola-soul immediately.
The g-string is strong, it is vibrating absolutely free in the treble, therefore I'm able now to play unplugged in my small band!
Evan Rynes, Member of »Orchester der Komischen Oper Berlin«
Orchestra »Komische Oper« Berlin and co-founder of the »notenkind music academy berlin«, www.notenkind.de
»Dear Carsten, with your violin I have now found a wonderful compliment to my old instrument from the 18th century. The resonant, long-lasting tone is round and focused with a very human character. Impulses from the bow arm are transferred without difficulty, which allows me a great freedom of musical expression. Every single note intonates well, each string has a strong individual character, at the same time the balance between the strings and the different registers is just right. But above all, playing on it is just fun! Many thanks.«
Lisanne Bendig, Violin
--
Teacher for viola and violin, Bamberg
www.lebendigestreicherschule.de
Prof. Nimrod Guez, Baroque violin
--
Professor at University of music, Würzburg and Ensemble L'accademia giocosa
Florian Kapitza, Viola
--
Bonn (Bayreuth Festival orchestra et al)
www.bayreuther-festspiele.de/deutsch/mitwirkende/festspielorchester_2015/streicher_127.html
Evan Rynes, Violin
--
Orchestra »Komische Oper« Berlin and co-founder of the »notenkind music academy berlin« www.notenkind.de
www.komische-oper-berlin.de/ueber-uns/ensemble/orchester/
Sabine Lier, Violin
--
Benchcopy G. Guarneri filius andreae
Bamberger Symphoniker
Paul Scharf, Violin
--
Swiss Octett
www.schweizeroktett.ch/index.php/ensemble-mainmenu-110/paul-scharf-violine
David Schultheiss, Baroque violin
--
1. Concertmaster Bavarian State Orchestra
www.staatsoper.de/mitarbeiter/bayerisches-staatsorchester.html
Martin Timphus, Viola
--
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
Bart Vandenbogaerde, Violin
Benchcopy Guarneri del Gesù
--
1. Concertmaster Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
István Várdai, Cello
--
Soloist
Hannah Vinzens, Baroquecello
--
Ensemble BachWerkVokal Salzburg
Heinrich Weeth, Cello
--
Staatskapelle Weimar
Foundation "Esther und Silvius Dornier Stiftung", 3/4 cello
--
2010 6. International violin making competition, Mittenwald: Viola, 5th place
2010 VSA competition, Cleveland: Violin, Certificate of workmanship
2011 Paris, Concours Etienne Vatelot: Viola, 3rd place and violin, 6th place
2012 Paris, Violoncellenseine: Baroque cello, 3 awards (»Coups de Coeurs«) from Roger Hargrave, Patrick Robin and Claire Giardelli
2014 7. International violin making competition, Mittenwald: Violin, Final round (5th place)
2007 7. International cello making competition, Manchester: Final round (7th place)
2010 6. International violin making competition, Mittenwald: Viola, 6th place
2010 VSA competition, Cleveland: Violin, Certificate of workmanship
2011 Paris, Concours Etienne Vatelot: Cello, 5th place
2014 7. International violin making competition, Mittenwald: Cello, Silver (Gold and Bronze were not awarded)
The Strad, August 2017
Article by Carsten Hoffmann
The Strad, October 2014
Success at baroque cello making competition:
Article »Stradivari would be proud« | Mainpost, Nachrichten für Franken (in German)
For music.