In 1891, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky adapted E. T. A. Hoffman's story, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" into a two-act ballet called The Nutcracker, first performed in 1892. It is one of the most popular ballets in the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Apart from being a landmark production which is still being staged today, it has been noted for the use of the rarely seen musical instrument known as the celesta, which Tchaikovsky stumbled upon while in Paris.