HOFMANN, JOSEF

(CASTMIR) (1876), a pianist, b. in Cracow, Poland. He began the study of the piano under his father, who was a prominent musian, and at the age of seven attracted the attention of Rubin stein, the great pianist. In 1887 he began a tour in the United States, but owing to his age was Obliged to abandon it on account of the ‘interference of the Society for the Prevenfion of Cruelty to Children. At that time, however, he gave unmistakable Bvidence of his remarkable talent. He ‘returned to Europe and spent several years in study under leading masters of; 6 piano. In the years following he “made annual concert tours of Kurope and the United States and spent much Of his time in the United States. He was ‘considered by many to be one of the two or three greatest living pianists. He “composed many pieces for the piano and “wrote much on musical topics.