Arthur Rubinstein (January 28 1887 – December 20 1982) was a famous Polish-American pianist, best known for his performances of Chopin and his championing of Spanish music.
Rubinstein was born in Łódź to a Jewish family, and studied in Warsaw. He made his debut in Berlin in 1900, followed by appearances in Germany and Poland and further study with Paderewski. In 1904, he went to Paris, where he met the composers Ravel, Dukas, and Saint-Saëns, and the violinist Jacques Thibaud.
Rubinstein made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 1906, and thereafter toured the United States, Austria, Italy, and Russia. In 1912, he made his London debut.
During World War I Rubinstein lived mainly in London, accompanying the violinst Eugčne Ysa˙e. From 1916 to 1917, he toured Spain and South America, developing an enthusiasm for the music of Granados, Albéniz, Villa-Lobos, and Falla. In 1932 he withdrew from concert life for several years to work on his technique and repertory.
During World War II, Rubinstein lived in the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1946. He retired from the stage in 1976, as his eyesight was rapidly deteriorating.
Although best known as a soloist, Rubinstein was also an outstanding chamber musician, partnering with Szeryng, Heifetz, Piatigorsky, the Guarneri Quartet. In addition to Chopin, he also recorded the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Schumann, and Dvořák.
Rubinstein died in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1982 at age 95.
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Last updated: 10-26-2005 07:52:12
