house museum ofgenius musicians
Mstislav Rostropovich's family moved to Baku two years before his birth. In 1925, prominent Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli invited the talented musician and cellist, Professor Leopold Rostropovich to Baku to teach at the State Conservatory. Leopold Rostropovich, who previously visited Baku to give a concert, moved to Baku with his family, and his wife, the pianist Sofya Fedotova, also began teaching piano at the conservatory. The house where they lived on the former Kolodezni Street (now Rostropovich Street) until 1931, and where Mstislav Rostropovich was born in 1927 and spent his childhood, now serves as a museum.
The exhibition of the museum is rich in interesting materials reflecting M. Rostropovich's childhood, youth, and activities. The exhibition consists of two parts. The first part reflects the atmosphere of the house where the Rostropovich family lived and the environment of that period. Among the exhibits displayed are letters written by Leopold Rostropovich to Uzeyir Hajibeyli, personal belonging to the Rostropovich family, and carpets and furniture dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The second part highlights important moments of M. Rostropovich's life and work, including films about him and audio recordings of his performances. Also on display are Rostropovich’s tailcoat, which he wore during a concert at the State Philharmonic in 2005, his conductor’s baton, video footage from the concert, photographs, and a concert programme bearing the maestro’s autograph.
For additional information:
Address: 31 Rostropovich str., Baku
Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays
Tel: +99412 492 02 65
museum.az/en/museum/33
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