Reinecke left no musical genre untouched. He enjoyed particular success with his piano works written for pedagogical purposes, being one of the few composers who know how to combine a well-designed didactic concept with musical quality. He was able to use simple means without becoming trivial or boring. This facility is evident not only in the Sonatinas Op. 47  and Op. 98, but also in such works as the “6 Miniature Sonatinas” Op. 136

The “Music to Hoffmann’s fairy tale about the Nutcracker and the Mouse King” Op. 46 also belongs to this group of works, although it is not expressly intended as an instructional piece and provides much pleasure even to more advanced players. This edition brings to light yet another work which is equally suited for recitals as well as for teaching purposes. Moreover, it is wonderfully appropriate as “Christmas music”, free of the usual mawkish sentimentality. And finally, it is a charming and original example of the reception of E. T. A. Hoffmann in music.