Such an interesting read, thank you for sharing Mariella! The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will definitely be on my list of books to read next Christmas. 😊🎄
Hoffmann is a genius in many respects, and, living in Konigsberg myself, I must say, his spirit is still sensed around the place. His life and macabre fantasy have inspired Poe, and you can sure see many resemblances between them. His depression and subsequent alcohol problems stemmed from grief- he lost himself in it after his beloved daughter died. His childhood however, wasn't that bleak, although spent with three older relatives- he was surrounded by love and inspired to create. His aunts, as well as uncle, later ended up in his stories. Otto actually was largely an inspiration for Drosselmeier:)))
Hoffmann also visited the lectures of Immanuel Kant, but funnily enough, thought him boring and dry, while Kant wasn't very keen on him, either. His heart softened, however, upon seeing Hoffmann reading voraciously at the Wallenrode library of the Cathedral - Kant was the keeper there, you see, and recognized a kindred spirit in his student. Hoffmann would leave Konigsberg after his old teacher's death, never to return. I believe, Marie in the Nutcracker story was based on his younger aunt and daughter, as well.
In truth, although he moved quite a lot, unwillingly in most cases, he never really left Konigsberg,coming back in his stories and music, as well. His stories are a wonderful mix of Prussian tales, dreams and visions, and sometimes nightmares- that's what keeps you drawn in. Much like Poe.
Sorry for the lengthy comment, my friend. Thank you for this post - and have a merry festive season:)
The Nutcracker ballet is such a fun tradition, and yes, we have our full-sized nutcracker standing guard atop our inherited upright piano, not to mention a few smaller versions on the tree.
Thank you for sharing this!
No problem! Thank you so much for reading it 🤍
Such an interesting read, thank you for sharing Mariella! The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will definitely be on my list of books to read next Christmas. 😊🎄
Hoffmann is a genius in many respects, and, living in Konigsberg myself, I must say, his spirit is still sensed around the place. His life and macabre fantasy have inspired Poe, and you can sure see many resemblances between them. His depression and subsequent alcohol problems stemmed from grief- he lost himself in it after his beloved daughter died. His childhood however, wasn't that bleak, although spent with three older relatives- he was surrounded by love and inspired to create. His aunts, as well as uncle, later ended up in his stories. Otto actually was largely an inspiration for Drosselmeier:)))
Hoffmann also visited the lectures of Immanuel Kant, but funnily enough, thought him boring and dry, while Kant wasn't very keen on him, either. His heart softened, however, upon seeing Hoffmann reading voraciously at the Wallenrode library of the Cathedral - Kant was the keeper there, you see, and recognized a kindred spirit in his student. Hoffmann would leave Konigsberg after his old teacher's death, never to return. I believe, Marie in the Nutcracker story was based on his younger aunt and daughter, as well.
In truth, although he moved quite a lot, unwillingly in most cases, he never really left Konigsberg,coming back in his stories and music, as well. His stories are a wonderful mix of Prussian tales, dreams and visions, and sometimes nightmares- that's what keeps you drawn in. Much like Poe.
Sorry for the lengthy comment, my friend. Thank you for this post - and have a merry festive season:)
The Nutcracker ballet is such a fun tradition, and yes, we have our full-sized nutcracker standing guard atop our inherited upright piano, not to mention a few smaller versions on the tree.