Many people know E.T.A Hoffmann (1776-1822) only as an author of fantastic stories and are often not aware of the fact that he was a reasonably good composer too. This practical edition of his five fully extant piano sonatas is based on the scientific editions, also published by Schott, of his 'Selected Musical Works'. Hoffmann himself recommends these pieces as compositions which are 'set in the older style, combined with the more cheerful melodic drive of the new' which 'many piano players who are indignant at the empty tirades of the new piano composers' long for.