Where do these stories come from and who is Hoffmann???

The opera is based on three short stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann. 

They are:

Der Sandmann (The Sandman)
Rath Krespel (Councillor Krespel)
Das verlorene Spiegelbild (The Lost Reflection)

There is also an aria the Hoffmann sings at the end of the Prologue "Chanson de Kleinzach" and its based on the story Klein Zaches, genannt Zinnober (Little Zaches, called cinnabar).

Hoffmann was a German Romantic author of fantasy and horror. He was also a composer and a music critic. His short stories were very influential in the Romantic movement. You may have heard of The Nutcracker or Coppelia. The two ballets were based on his storied as well.


I was able to find two links to the english translation of Der Sandmann and Rath Krespel!!


Here is The Sandman.....
http://germanstories.vcu.edu/hoffmann/sand_e.html

Here is Councillor Krespel.....
http://germanstories.vcu.edu/hoffmann/krespel_e.html


Enjoy!