Pianist, born in ?ód?, Poland. He began playing in early childhood and completed his studies in Berlin. He was already famous when he made his US debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra (1906), but his American appearances were not at first successful. With the outbreak of World War 2 he settled in Hollywood, played for film sound tracks, and appeared as himself in two films, including Carnegie Hall (1947). His reputation grew through the years until by the 1950s he was universally considered one of the giants of the keyboard. A supreme interpreter of Chopin and the standard repertoire, he was also acclaimed for his playing of modern Spanish composers. He became a US citizen (1946), and when his performances were finally winding down he was awarded the US Medal of Freedom (1976).
Arthur Rubinstein (January 28, 1887 – December 20, 1982) was a Polish pianist who is widely considered as one of the greatest piano virtuosos of the 20th Century.
Biography
Rubinstein was born Artur Rubinstein in Łódź, Poland to a Jewish family. Aside from his early and singular fascination with the piano, another interesting childhood trait is that Rubinstein didn't begin speaking until some time around the age of three. Until the time that he developed speech, Rubinstein would entertain his family by imitating non-speech sounds. The descriptions of Rubinstein's delayed speech, his early childhood tantrums and his later virtuosity closely follow a similar pattern of development of other famous late-talkers, such as fellow pianist Clara Schumann and physicist (and sometimes-musician) Albert Einstein, among others.
Rubinstein studied in Warsaw.
Rubinstein made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 1906, and thereafter toured the United States, Austria, Italy, and Russia.
During World War I Rubinstein lived mainly in London, accompanying the violinist Eugène Ysaÿe.
In 1932 he withdrew from concert life for several months to work on his technique and repertory.
During World War II, Rubinstein lived in the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1946.
Although best known as a recitalist and concerto soloist, Rubinstein was also considered an outstanding chamber musician, partnering with such luminaries as Henryk Szeryng, Jascha Heifetz, Gregor Piatigorsky, and the Guarneri Quartet. Of the piano solo repertoire Rubinstein recorded a vast portion, including Chopin virtually entire (save the Études) and innumerable Romantic composers. In addition, Rubinstein was the first champion of the music of his compatriot Karol Szymanowski. Rubinstein, in conversation with Alexander Scriabin, named Brahms as his favorite composer (a response that enraged Scriabin) .
Rubinstein was fluent in eight languages .
Marriage and Death
Rubinstein was married in 1932 to Aniela (Nela) Mlynarska, daughter of conductor Emil Mlynarski and ex-wife of Mieczyslaw Munz. their son John Rubinstein is an actor. Rubinstein also fathered a daughter with a South American woman.
Rubinstein died in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982 at age 95.
Honours and Awards
In 1977, he was made an honorary Knight of the British Empire (KBE).
Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance:
Pierre Fournier, Arthur Rubinstein & 100 (Piano Trios) (1976) Pierre Fournier, Arthur Rubinstein & 1 in D Minor (1975) Arthur Rubinstein for Beethoven: Sonatas No. 18 in E Flat (1960)Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra):
Arthur Rubinstein for Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 12 (1978) Arthur Rubinstein for Beethoven: Sonatas No.
User Comments Add a comment…