Artur Rubinstein was one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Born
in Lodz in 1887, he took piano lessons in his native city and at the Warsaw
Conservatory. In Berlin he continued his training and debuted there in 1900
under the musical direction of Joseph Joachim. This was followed by
appearances in America and many European countries. At the beginning of the
First World War, he vowed never to play again in Germany. As a Pole and
Jew, he renewed this vow and maintained it till the end of his life. After
three decades of active concert activity, the bon-vivant Rubinstein made an
artistic pause in 1932 and returned to public performance in 1937, at the
age of 50. Rubinstein, the blessed virtuoso, as Thomas Mann once called
him, worked with the most famous musicians of his time, made recordings and
was celebrated all over the world as the "Pianist of the century."
Rubinstein's interpretations are considered to this day as exemplary, and
often unsurpassed. His multi-faceted repertoire, impeccable technique and
irresistibly beautiful tone turned every performance into an event.
Rubinstein played works from the German classic and romantic eras as well
as Russian, Spanish and French piano works. He devoted himself particularly
intensively to the works of his fellow countryman Chopin and set standards
in Chopin interpretation with his unsentimental playing . Rubinstein
dominated the concert halls of the world for three quarters of a century.
In 1976 he withdrew from the concert stage in London with a farewell
concert, and in December 1982 he died in Geneva at the age of 95.
