Saturday, 29.08.2026
11 am: Film
at SÜDFLÜGELSAAL

Film “Dreamers and Geniuses”

Film about Josef Hofmann, composer and pianist

The event will be held in English. Free Entry.
Festivalprogramme

Josef Hofmann

This is a series of documentary films about inventions that have become an integral part of our lives. Handheld camera, windshield wipers, bulletproof vest, tank periscope, color photography, blood group system, microprocessor technology; all of these are used worldwide but not many people know they were invented by Poles. These inventors, in addition to their intellectual work, have led extraordinary, inspiring lives.

We will be showing a film about the pianist and composer JOSEF HOFMANN (1876–1957), a significant piano artist of the first half of the 20th century who has somewhat faded into obscurity today. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Josef Hofmann was an inventor and registered over 70 patents:
“Well, there’s Hofmann,” replied Sergei Rachmaninoff, when asked who was the greatest pianist in the world.

Josef Hofmann (1876–1957) first achieved fame as the most celebrated child prodigy of his era and later came to be regarded by many—particularly fellow musicians—as the greatest pianist of his time. In keeping with the Zeitgeist, he was not only a performer but also a composer and an inventor.
To mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, we are pleased to present a documentary film exploring Hofmann’s artistry, career, and personality. Featured in the film are pianists Garrick Ohlsson, Marc-André Hamelin, Charles Rosen, Ruth Slenczynska, Constance Keene, and Eleanor Sokoloff; Hofmann scholar, researcher, and publisher of his recordings Gregor Benko; recording producer and restoration specialist Ward Marston; former and current Steinway executives Henry Z. Steinway and Ron Losby; composers Gian Carlo Menotti and Witold Lutosławski; and many others.

The film was produced by Polish Television (TVP) as part of the documentary series Dreamers and Geniuses (Geniusze i marzyciele), directed by Paweł Kloc.

The screening will be introduced by Jakub Puchalski of Cracow, music critic, author, and consultant to the film production team.