Fantasiestucke, Op. 12, a set of eight pieces for piano was written in 1837 and was inspired by the 1814 collection of novellas Fantasiestucke in Callots Manier by E. T. A. Hoffmann, one of Schumann's favourite authors. Schumann composed the pieces with the characters Florestan and Eusebius in mind, representing the duality of his personality. Eusebius depicting the dreamer in him and Florestan depicting his passionate side. The work achieved rapid and widespread popularity with perhaps the greatest compliment coming from Franz Liszt, who excitedly wrote to the composer, Your "Fantasy Pieces" have captured my interest in an extraordinary way. I play them truly with delight, and Lord knows there are not many things of which I can say the same.
