Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Germany

Birth

:

January 24, 1776

Death

:

June 25, 1822 in Berlin, Germany

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Opera

 

E.T.A. Hoffmann was a German composer, writer, and music critic who lived from 1776 to 1822. He was born Ernst Theodor Wilhelm Hoffmann on January 24, 1776, in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). His father, Christoph Ludwig Hoffmann, was a lawyer and his mother, Lovisa Albertina Doerffer, was the daughter of a merchant. Hoffmann was the second of three children and had an older sister and a younger brother. Hoffmann's parents were both musically inclined and encouraged their children to pursue music. Hoffmann began playing the piano at a young age and showed a talent for music. He also showed an interest in literature and began writing stories and poems. In 1792, Hoffmann enrolled at the University of Königsberg to study law, but he continued to pursue music and literature in his free time. After completing his studies, Hoffmann worked as a lawyer in various cities, including Glogau, Posen, and Warsaw. However, he continued to pursue his passion for music and literature and began writing music criticism for various publications. In 1800, he published his first collection of stories, "Fantasy Pieces in Callots Manier," which was well-received and established him as a writer. Hoffmann's music criticism was highly regarded and he became known for his insightful and passionate reviews. He was particularly interested in the music of Ludwig van Beethoven and wrote several articles about his work. Hoffmann also composed music himself, including several operas, chamber music, and piano works. His music was influenced by the Romantic movement and often featured dark and mysterious themes. One of Hoffmann's most famous works is the opera "Undine," which he composed in 1814. The opera is based on a fairy tale by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué and tells the story of a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal man. The opera was well-received and is still performed today. Hoffmann's other notable works include the opera "Aurora," the ballet "Ondine," and the piano works "Fantasy in C Major" and "Kreisleriana." He also wrote several novels and short stories, including "The Sandman," "The Golden Pot," and "The Devil's Elixir." Hoffmann's personal life was marked by tragedy and turmoil. He married Maria Thekla Michalina Rorer in 1802, but the marriage was unhappy and they separated in 1806. Hoffmann had several affairs and relationships throughout his life, including a long-term relationship with singer and actress Johanna Eunike. He also struggled with alcoholism and mental illness, which affected his work and personal life. Hoffmann died on June 25, 1822, in Berlin, at the age of 46. He is remembered as a talented composer, writer, and music critic who played an important role in the development of Romanticism in music and literature. His works continue to be studied and performed today, and he remains an important figure in the history of classical music.

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