The fact that the talent of people is often manifested in many directions has been known for a long time. Do you know such personalities as Gogol, Tolstoy, Prokofiev? Of course, many of them are remembered as writers and composer. But the fact that the first could become a good cook, and the second - a musician, is not known to everyone.
Gogol could have become a cook
The classic of Russian literature and the author of "Evenings on a Farm near Dikanka" not only knew how to write outstanding works. He had extraordinary culinary skills. And they were revealed to him during the study of the folk life of Rome. In addition to writing, studying antiquities, he was interested in Italian cuisine.
At one time, Gogol was given several lessons by local chefs, revealing some secrets. This helped the writer to master the craft faster. Most of all, the classics liked to cook traditional pasta. Subsequently, returning to Russia, he tried to instill a love for the Italian dish in his friends. But the plan failed, and they did not like the pasta dish, which was new for the Russian people.
Nikolai Vasilyevich was more interested in the process of cooking, and not the result. Once, while visiting Aksakov, he decided to cook his favorite pasta. Observers from the side say that the writer did this with special enthusiasm.
A musician could leave Tolstoy
In addition to literature, Lev Nikolaevich was equally interested in music. The writer could sit at the piano all day and play music. Moreover, he equally liked both national Russian melodies and Chopin's works. After the count opened a school in Yasnaya Polyana, Lev Nikolaevich began to teach the children singing lessons. They learned both Russian folk songs and arias by Italian composers.
It just so happened that Lev Nikolaevich did not have a professional musical education. But, despite the lack of academic knowledge, the writer was able to compose a waltz with a friend. As it turned out, he was not happy with his brainchild.
After a while, closer to his death, Tolstoy abandoned the work, which everyone considered his creation. He admitted in the pages of his notebook that he had deceived everyone. In a fit of self-flagellation, the writer wrote that the waltz belonged to Zybinsky, and he simply stole it. After that, he was allegedly ashamed to admit his wrongdoing. Despite these assurances, most researchers are sure that Tolstoy did take part in the creation of the piece of music.
Victor Marie Hugo painted pictures
From the age of eight, the future great writer became interested in drawing. He chose ink and pencil as a tool for creativity. Frequent themes of his creations are gloomy medieval architecture, stories based on fantastic motives.
The predominant color palette of Victor Mari's works is dark shades. The drawings were dominated by brown, black and white tones. It is noteworthy that he often used coffee to create his works to achieve warm woody shades. There is an opinion that in some works the writer even used his own blood to achieve the desired color.
There are about 4 thousand works, the creation of which is attributed to the hand of Victor Hugo. Famous artists living in the times of the writer appreciated Hugo's talent. In particular, the French painter Eugene Delacroix recognized his talent in drawing. He argued that by becoming an artist, Hugo would be able to surpass modern painters. The writer was not alien to his penchant for experimentation. It is known that he tried to paint with his eyes closed, or with his left hand, being right-handed.
Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev - excellent chess player
Having become interested in music, Prokofiev simultaneously became interested in chess. He considered intellectual play to be a special world, into which he plunged headlong. It was a world of struggle between passions and plans.
Throughout his life, he calmly combined both activities, which brought him satisfaction. There is even a musical manuscript by Sergei Sergeevich, on one side of which is a musical composition, on the other - the position of an unfinished chess game. A certain cult of accuracy, which Prokofiev professed all his life, helped him to succeed in both fields throughout his life.
"Chess is the music of thought" - the Russian composer asserted. Thanks to his intellectual abilities, Prokofiev played with dignity. But having an inquisitive mind, he wanted to bring something of his own to the rules. For example, the composer at one time did not abandon the idea of using a hexagonal board with similar fields for the game. People close to him noticed that while writing the music for "Romeo and Juliet" he was fascinated by another occupation. Namely, by playing on the field, which Sergey Sergeevich made of 12 standard boards.
Mendeleev Dmitry Ivanovich - master of suitcase cases
The scientist known for the creation of the periodic system was fond of not only chemistry. He had excellent knowledge of geology, economics, physics and other sciences. But not only. In addition to science and intellectual knowledge, Mendeleev was no stranger to manual labor. He loved making book bindings, photo frames, cardboard containers. But Dmitry Ivanovich achieved special skill by making suitcases.
During the Crimean War, because of the hostilities, the gymnasium where the chemist taught was closed. To keep himself busy, he took up the craft. Having started to create travel bags, Mendeleev did not leave this occupation throughout his life, making it his hobby.
There is even a known case that took place in Gostiny Dvor. Once Dmitry Ivanovich was choosing raw materials for his hobby in a household store. And he heard a conversation between a buyer and a landlord. The shop visitor asked: "Who is this gentleman?", Clearly referring to Mendeleev. To which the owner gave an unequivocal answer, calling the chemist a famous master of suitcase affairs.
