The Complete Josef Hofmann, Vol. 3 (Columbia and G&T Recordings 1903-1918 with Seven Previously Unissued Selections)
Volume 3 gathers Hofmann's complete acoustic Columbia 78s, including  seven previously unissued sides. While Hofmann allowed a lot of leeway in live  performance, he took recording seriously, both from an artistic and technical standpoint.  The myriad subtleties of touch, pedaling, and articulation in Hofmann's playing come  through loud and clear in these vintage 1912-1918 recordings. Each selection reveals the  pianist's singing tone, extremely even fingerwork, aristocratic poise, and taste. There's a  sense of purpose and proportion to the playing that belies the notion that all Romantic  pianists took insane liberties.--Jed Distler