ALS in French, signed “Leon Tolstoi,” one page, lightly-lined, 5.5 x 8.25, 1900. An unpublished draft of a letter, with numerous lines crossed out and rewritten, regarding a string quartet performance. In part (translated): “The quartet…who had the extreme kindness to come to our home in the country and to play with greatest perfection on all their instruments the splendid treats of the old masters—was one of the greatest musical pleasures which I’ve ever been privileged to experience.” Light wrinkling, small split to one mailing fold, and a very faint paperclip impression at the top edge, otherwise fine condition.
The great Russian novelist was passionate not only about the written word but about music, as well, particularly the “old masters.” Tolstoy was said to have taken to music like an addict will take to a drug, often losing control of his emotions while being enveloped by the notes. One diary entry recounted a meeting between Tolstoy and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky, in which the author admitted to have been terribly nervous before a face-to-face meeting, relaxing only when the topic turned to music. A passionate letter from the novelist as he sings the praises of “one of the greatest musical pleasures which I’ve ever been privileged to experience.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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