Music by the German composer Wolfgang Adam Anton Hoffer, one of the most influential lutenists of the 18th century, is performed by the renowned soloist Michael Dücker. His programme includes the Suites in D major and D minor, and two sets of dances, La Belle Indifférente, and La Querelle d’Amour.

Wolfgang Adam Anton Hoffer is a figure shrouded in mystery and the subject of much speculation. Though comparatively little is known of his activities, his lute compositions can certainly be regarded among the most outstanding of the 18th century. Viennese by birth, he was tutor to a princess (perhaps even to Maria Theresa), and also Kriegskonzipist at the Royal and Imperial Court. He later took up the position of lutenist at the Court of the Electoral Prince in Mainz. With Hoffer’s arrival at Mainz the long-standing predominance of trumpeters at the court was broken and he succeeded in establishing an acceptable small orchestra.