E. T. A. Hoffmann and Carl Maria von Weber were united in their search for new artistic paths, which found expression in Romanticism. Their works are fantastical and fairytale-like and contain facets of Black Romanticism, which sought to capture the uncanny. Both worked in Dresden, knew and appreciated each other and saw themselves as both composers and writers.
With his opera "Undine" in Dresden, Hoffmann created the first great Romantic opera, which Weber followed up with "Der Freischütz". Weber was also inspired by Hoffmann's work "Phantasus" to write his own novel fragment. Both were preoccupied with the idea of a Gesamtkunstwerk and were active in many different ways. To mark the 250th anniversary of Hoffmann's birth and the 200th anniversary of Weber's death, the Kügelgenhaus - Museum of Dresden Romanticism is organising an exhibition on both artists and their work in Dresden.
Exhibition dates
Museum night in the Kügelgenhaus
Readings & Music
18:00 to 24:00
"Where shadows dwell. E. T. A. Hoffmann, Carl Maria von Weber and the dark side of Romanticism"
Free tour of the special exhibition
19:00 & 21:00
"Mein gutester, herzliebster Muks!"
Reading from letters by Carl Maria von Weber
Weber's letters to his wife Caroline are among the most beautiful love letters of the time. Dresden singer and narrator Peter Lobert will introduce us to Weber's letters and the composer's charm.
With Peter Lobert, narrator
20:00 & 22:00
"Der Goldne Topf" by E. T. A. Hoffmann
Reading with musical accompaniment by pupils from the Saxon State Grammar School for Music Carl Maria von Weber Dresden
With Lutz Reike, reading
- Tickets for the Museum Night are available online, at DB and DVB ticket machines and at some concert box offices: www.museumsnacht.dresden.de