The physicist Alexander Stoletov had a wide range of interests, talents, and hobbies. During his time at the gymnasium, he published his own handwritten magazine and wrote poetry, composing verses for the birthdays of his parents and other significant events, such as the occasion of acquiring a piano. Thanks to his natural musical ability, Alexander Stoletov learned to play piano by ear without any formal education. His passion for music remained a constant throughout his life. As a university lecturer, Stoletov made it a point to attend concerts and theater performances whenever possible, and he was an avid reader. He enjoyed Tolstoy, Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, and Chekhov.

Stoletov’s circle of friends and acquaintances included many prominent scientists and musicians, such as Kliment Timiryazev, Nikolay Zhukovsky, Sergey Rachinsky, and Pyotr Tchaikovsky. In his apartment, these individuals would gather to exchange news, discuss ideas, debate, and share jokes.

Stoletov also maintained friendly relations with the Taneyev brothers. At one point, the Taneyev family resided in Vladimir, on the same street as the Stoletov family. Alexander Stoletov likely knew the eldest boy, Vladimir Ivanovich, a prominent Russian public figure and jurist, since childhood. Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev, a renowned composer, frequently visited him as well. Legend has it that they first met in Moscow under amusing circumstances. While riding bicycles one sunny day, they collided, as they both lacked confidence in their cycling skills. Thus, two countrymen, an eminent physicist and a young composer, met.

Stoletov, who had a passion for music since childhood, was an admirer of Sergey Taneyev’s music and performances. Stoletov’s correspondence and notes addressed to Taneyev are preserved in various museums and archives, in which he expressed gratitude to the musician for the joy his art had brought. In return, Sergey Taneyev sought advice from Alexander Stoletov regarding acoustic matters during the construction of a concert hall.

Both physicist Stoletov and chemist Markovnikov were fond of music. In their leisure time, Vladimir Vasilyevich Markovnikov, with his pleasant voice, hosted musical soirées with Stoletov. Stoletov would play the piano, while Markovnikov would sing.