In the Classical Era around 1800 the mandolin enjoyed a surprising popularity, thanks to the presence of extraordinary virtuosi who were disseminating a repertoire of high quality repertoire. It was in the aristocratic environment of the Habsburg capital Vienna that the elegant chamber music with mandolin by Giovanni Hoffmann (ca. 1770-1814, according to other sources 1840) found fertile ground. Hoffmann was a virtuoso on the instrument and wrote highly attractive works for it, in which his virtuosity and gift for melody found equal place. This new recording presents quartets for mandolin, 2 violins and cello, charming and entertaining works full of southern lyricism and instrumental brilliance. Played by one of the leading mandolin players of Italy, Federico Maddaluno, a native of Naples and an avid promotor of his instrument.