Moldova marks 200th birthday anniversary of writer Vasile Alecsandri

Chisinau, 21 July /MOLDPRES/ - The 200th birthday anniversary of poet, dramatist, folklorist, political figure, minister, diplomat, founding member of the Romanian Academy, founder of the Romanian theatre and the dramatic literature from Romania, outstanding personality of Moldova and then of Romania during the entire 19th century Vasile Alecsandri is marked today.   

Vasile Alecsandri was born to Vasile Alecsandri and Elena Cozoni in the region of Bacau on 21July. According to researchers, his year of birth might be 1821, 1819 or even 1818. Alecsandri spent his childhood in the Iasi city and Mircesti village, where his father owned an estate and where he used to go during his entire life to find his peace. He registered at a private boarding school of Victor Cuenim from Iasi, where he studied along with Mihail Kogalniceanu and Matei Millo – the actor who was his close friend, whom he admired and for whom he wrote many of his plays.   

During 1934-1939, Vasile Alecsandri studied in Paris along with Alexandru Ioan Cuza and painter Negulci, where he took his Baccalaureate. Alecsandri dedicated himself to literature and wrote his first poems in the French language. In 1840, he became director of the National Theatre from Iasi.  

In 1843, his first poem, Tătarul (The Tartar) appeared in the publication Albina Românească (The Romanian Bee). In 1848-49, Alecsandri was in exile in France.    

According to the National Calendar, the discovery of the folklore, the inspirations from the priceless treasure of the nation prompted the appearance of the first Romanian collection of folklore titled, Poezii poporale (Popular poems), quite soon translated in the West.  

In 1853, Alecsandri published a volume of original poems titled Doine și lăcrămioare.

In 1859, Vasile Alecsandri was appointed by Ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza minister of foreign affairs. Starting from 1860, the writer settled in Mircesti till the end of his life, where he published the cycle Pasteluri (Pastels), lyric poems during 1962-1975. He was founding member of the Romanian Academic Society (2 June 1867), from which position he resigned in 1871, and resumed this office in 1879. In France, Alecsandri was awarded a prize for the poem Cântecul gintei latine (The Song of the Latin Race). In 1885, he was appointed plenipotentiary minister in Paris, a position which he held till his death. Alecsandri received more national and international prizes for his literary achievements.

Vasile Alecsandri died in Mircesti, Iasi county, on 22 August 1890.