Konzertante Aneignung

A Musical Impertinence

Tuba:Andreas Martin Hofmeir
Piano:Barbara Schmelz

If the tuba often leads a shadowy existence in the world of classical concerts, it is certainly not because of Andreas Martin Hofmeir. The tuba player, professor, and cabaret artist playfully elevates his instrument to a place it rarely occupies: the spotlight. Together with pianist Barbara Schmelz, he embraces a delightfully cheeky approach in “Concertante Aneignung.” Since the tuba has virtually no solo repertoire of its own, Hofmeir unhesitatingly borrows the best from other corners of the music world—and transforms it with masterful virtuosity into genuine Hofmeir pieces.

Between musical excursions, he reads from his wickedly funny guide to instruments and dissects the world of orchestral instruments with laconic humor. His style is dry, direct, and driven by the down-to-earth humor that makes him a crowd favorite. Whether he’s philosophizing about the tuba’s legendarily high “income per note” or mimicking the eternal seven notes it’s allowed to contribute to a symphony—Hofmeir always strikes the right balance between wit and truth.

But as soon as he puts the tuba to his lips, his musicality overshadows his understatement. Delicate lines, surprising lightness, and a virtuosity that makes even Telemann’s music on the tuba seem effortlessly natural—here we see an artist who not only masters his instrument but reimagines it.

An evening full of humor, musical freedom, and small wonders. If you want to experience just how grand the tuba can sound when given space, and how beautiful humor is when it springs from a genuine love of music, this is the place for you.