Digitally remastered edition of this 1960 album. Cartoonist, musician, actor, broadcaster, mimic and comedian: there were few talents Gerard Hoffnung didn't turn his attention to and master. This particular album, recorded in 1958 at the Oxford Union, was released after his sudden death from a cerebral hemorrhage in September 1959, was intended as a tribute, which it certainly achieved. A top five chart hit, it features the classic Bricklayers Lament, which is often played or referenced today. Hallmark.
C**N
Musical masterpiece
This was purchased as a gift and it is very much enjoyed.
K**N
Radio at its Best
Contains the matchless "Bricklayer" letter as delivered by Gerard Hoffnung. Sent it to a young friend to listen to before she watched "Babe: Pig In The City" which is clearly where the movie makers got the opening scenes detailing why Farmer Hoggett didn't take Babe to the Fair. Everyone should listen to this recording and enjoy Hoffnung's spot-on delivery. We miss him.
L**M
Memories from the 60s still just as good to hear in 2015
Gerard Hoffnung's telling of the bricklayers story is still the best by far. I used to listen to all these stories as a child in the 60s and still get a laugh today. He is brilliantly!
M**E
hoffnung at oxford union
sound quality is very poor for most of the CD however, I purchased as a gift for my Dad and we only wanted the bricklayer which was superb. Very glad to get it and worth the purchase. Very speedy delivery and the CD was as described in good condition.
S**S
Five Stars
1 of the funniest things ever heard!!!!
M**E
Five Stars
Classic !
R**N
Missed opportunity
This is a classic performance by an extraordinarily versatile and talented person. I was at Oxford when he spoke, and although most of us couldn't get into the Union to hear him, everyone was talking about this amazing event, a complete departure from the usually staid (and often self-inflated!) proceedings. We all bought the LP when it became available, and I welcomed the chance to get it on CD. Half a century and an electronic revolution later, I had hoped that the poor sound quality on the original would have been corrected - there's no excuse these days for having the speaker inaudible and the applause deafening. Unfortunately, no - evidently Hallmark were too cheap to spend a little money on this. (And the tribute from his wife which appears as the liner notes - the only item, apart from a lot of Hallmark advertising - is printed in a microscopic font in white on a pale blue background, almost indecipherable). What a shame!For his very unconventional concerts at the Royal Festival Hall Hoffnung managed to recruit some of the top classical musicians and stage performers in the United Kingdom, and if you don't know Hoffnung and have a taste for the bizarre (and very funny) I urge you to get these CDs. Then, once you have developed an appreciation and affection for this delightful man, perhaps that would be the time to get this CD, with all its imperfections. The bricklayer's story alone is well worth the cost.
T**A
Four Stars
CD case was cracked
C**N
Grand moment d'humour classique
Un festival Hoffnung est toujours un grand moment d'humour pour les passionnés de musique classique. A écouter sans modération. A recommander.
E**M
Hoffnung
Total hilarity from the godfather of all stand-ups. I knew what I was getting before I ordered because I was THERE 53 years ago when Hoffnung delivered his unforgettable speech. I was amazed at the low Amazon price (and very quick supply):I would have paid more!It helps of course to be able to picture the scene. The Oxford Union was packed to the doors, with the central passageway full (no 'health and safety' then). So when this small, rotund man began to speak all the students on the rear benches, including me, had to stand on their seats to see over the people in the gangway. It was as if the whole house rose to him.How sad that he died just a few months later, aged only 34.
H**D
The ideal cure when you're feeling down
This is an absolute classic. Everyone knows the Bricklayer's Lament but there are so many other wonderful bits. And it's good to hear Hoffnung occasionally being serious, too, and what is more outwitting a member of the audience.
I**S
I think that Mr Hoffnung might have had a good lunch at the Oxford Union
I think that Mr Hoffnung might have had a good lunch at the Oxford Union; it is perhaps even more funny hearing undergraduates who are now venerable gentlemen crying with laughter. one of the bits was released as a song by, I thing, The Dubliners but the Hoffnung version is, I think, better. - just.
A**O
Nostalgia
Bought this as a surprise present for my 60-something friend. Having not heard it for years, one of the 'turns' in our holiday hotel gave a rendition. We both laughed until the tears were running down our faces! As it was first broadcast in 1958, the quality is not brilliant by today's standards, but as it is the spoken word rather than music, we can live with that.
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