Count Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy was born on September 9, 1828, in the family estate of Yasnaya Polyana in the Tula region. He is one of the most famous Russian writers and thinkers, one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy was a prolific publicist. He created his first works in the Caucasus, where he went to serve following his elder brother Nikolay. It was there that he wrote the trilogy “Childhood, Adolescence, Youth”. The nature in the Caucasus inspired the writer to create a number of works: “Hadji Murad”, “The Raid”, and “The Cossacks”. The story “Sevastopol Sketches” examines the events in the besieged Sevastopol, where Leo Tolstoy commanded a battery.
Tolstoy’s fruitful literary activity began when he finally settled in the Yasnaya Polyana estate. He wrote the famous novels “Anna Karenina”, “Resurrection”, and “War and Peace”, which were highly appreciated by readers and critics. Tolstoy’s estate was a very hospitable place, hardly ever were there no guests at the dinner table. Sophia Andreyevna Bers, Tolstoy’s wife, was responsible for entertaining the guests, as well as for housekeeping and raising children. Knowing her husband’s love for music, she often arranged musical evenings in Yasnaya Polyana and Khamovniki.
On January 20, 1896, the young musician Alexander Goldenweiser visited the house of the famous writer. This first meeting of two talented people grew into a strong fifteen-year friendship. They shared not only the love for music — they also had a special spiritual connection. Close ties with the writer resulted in the book “Near Tolstoy”, in which Goldenweiser included memories, notes that were made during the conversations with the writer, as well as the observations and letters. The book contains many philosophical statements of Tolstoy, describes his immediate environment, habits, and daily routine. Goldenweiser’s work is an addition to the writer’s biography, revealing interesting facts about his life. Knowing the special attitude of the writer to music, Goldenweiser often performed classical musical works, among which Tolstoy favored Chopin.
As a sign of great friendship and in gratitude for the wonderful musical evenings that were held in Yasnaya Polyana, Leo Tolstoy presented Goldenweiser with his photograph, taken in 1909 by Vladimir Grigorievich Chertkov. This signed portrait — “To Alexander Borisovich Goldenweiser from Leo Tolstoy, September 17, 1909. Krekshino” — is on display in the memorial apartment.
