Matvei Wielhorski

26 April] 1794 – died Nice, March 5, 1866) was a Russian cellist and count of Polish parentage.

When they returned to Russia they were given positions at the Tsar's court and, as members of the aristocratic class, became patrons of the arts.

European music like Mozart and Beethoven, composers that the Wielhorski's held in high regard, had come to Russia by way of the salons, such the one hosted by Grand Duchess Pavlovna, and The Philharmonic Society.

A Life for the Tsar has been described as "patriotic and very monarchist", with a story by Vasily Zhukovsky and libretto by the Baron G. F.

[1] Schumann dedicated his Piano Quartet to Wielhorski, who had entertained the composer and his wife, Clara, on their visit to St. Petersburg in 1844.