Roman Hoffstetter

Full biography Roman Hoffstetter

Roman Hoffstetter (1742-1815) was a German composer and Benedictine monk known for his classical music compositions. He was born in Mainz, Germany, and later joined the Benedictine order in the nearby town of Murrhardt. While at the monastery, he continued to compose music and is considered one of the few monks to have contributed to the classical music canon.

Hoffstetter is often associated with the composer Joseph Haydn, whom he greatly admired and modeled his style after. In fact, some of Hoffstetter's string quartets were at one time attributed to Haydn. He wrote, "everything that flows from Haydn's pen seems to me so beautiful and remains so imprinted on my memory that I cannot prevent myself now and then trying , in my unimportance, to follow in his footsteps."

Hoffstetter is best known for his string quartets, but he also composed other types of music, including piano pieces, choral works, and operas. His music was popular in his time, but he is not as well-known today as other composers from the same period.

In addition to his work as a composer, Hoffstetter also served as a music director and a teacher of music. He held several positions in different cities throughout Germany during his lifetime, and his influence as a teacher is evident in the work of his students, who included several noted composers of the time.

Overall, Roman Hoffstetter was an accomplished composer and a significant figure in the classical music world of the late 18th century. His contributions to the string quartet genre and his admiration for Joseph Haydn are notable aspects of his legacy.