Nostalgia

Abstract

In 1765 Maxim Beryozovsky,¹ a Ukrainian serf who had shown certain abilities as a composer, was sent to Italy by his master to develop his talents. He enjoyed considerable success there, later becoming an honorary member of the Academy in Bologna, where he had studied under Tartini. But Beryozovsky was stricken with nostalgia for his native land and when he was summoned home in 1774 he chose to go back to serfdom rather than live in exile. Having returned home, he fell in love with an actress-serf in the service of Count Rasumovsky. The count, on finding out about this love affair, proceeded to rape the girl and send her to one of his estates in Siberia. Beryozovsky turned to alcohol and, in 1777, finally hanged himself.

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 1: 18