Albert (short story)

"Albert" is a short story by Leo Tolstoy. It was originally published in 1858.

The lead character, Albert, is a homeless, yet brilliant, violinist. The kind Delesov wanted to save the young violinist, after taking him home, he got inexperienced feeling of love to Albert. Albert told his love story — when he lost his mind dreaming about his beloved actress (singer?). After he fell to bottom, lost his place in orchestra, spending evenings at party house, where he plsyed violin time to time. Although his play was incredible, pulling all kind of feelings from people’s, he got reputation of weirdo. Once Delesov tried to pull him out from alcohol addiction, Albert completely lost his spark. Three days later Albert found bottle of Vodka and left his home at midnight, heading to party-house. Experienced psychedelic trip, almost frozen, he been found unconscious at party house entrance. Saved by house patron he continued his happy life, still was not adopted as genius, but sort of crazy fool.


Albert has been described as reflection on moral questions of art, and society's ability to recognize true art.[1]

  1. ^ Simmons, Ernest J. "Introduction to Tolstoy's Writings". OurCivilization.com. Our Civilization. Archived from the original on 2 January 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2016.