Reviewers often describe the work as a bridge that makes classical music approachable through fun and design.
: Hoffnung’s background as a cartoonist is central; his original instrument creations—like the String Tuba and the Yo-Bow —bring a surreal, Xenophone-like quality to the stage. THE HOFFNUNG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
“His vast musical knowledge, backed by wit and a wonderfully timeless sense of design make him of GREAT value to any student studying music, art, animation or life.” Amazon UK Reviewers often describe the work as a bridge
: The performances often feature "cunning mis-quotations" of masters like Bach, Mozart, and Stravinsky, arranged into absurd hybrids such as commercial jingles styled after various classical eras. “I first looked at this Hoffnung book
“I first looked at this Hoffnung book... when I was at Art Coll in the 1950's. Hoffnungs unique way of combining music with graphics and fun to make classical music approachable set me on the road 20 years later to becoming an animator.” Amazon UK Final Verdict
For anyone who finds classical music too "strait-laced," the Hoffnung Symphony Orchestra is the perfect antidote. It is a brilliant collection of "musical cartoon genius" that proves music is indeed the funniest of the arts. The Hoffnung Symphony Orchestra - IMDb
: Reviews of the animated short and live recordings highlight a "maelstrom of noise" that remains mostly tuneful and highly amusing, even when the conclusions become chaotic. Community Perspectives