The great pianist Arthur Rubinstein throughout his long and colorful life was recognized as the greatest performer of the twentieth century.
Arthur Rubinstein, having revealed the beginning of a new musical movement, struck the hearts of millions of people around the world with his virtuosity, skill, and inexorable craving for beauty.
Childhood of the great pianist
Arthur was born in a town called Lodz (Poland, at that time part of the Russian Empire). In the family, Arthur was the seventh and youngest child. His outstanding musical ability resonated at a very young age, when Arthur watched his older sister's piano lessons. His father, who at that time had his own small textile factory, tried to persuade his young son to play the violin. But Rubinstein's soul lay on the keys, rather than on the strings.
At the age of four, the father invited the famous teacher Y. Joham to evaluate the abilities of his son. Joham gave the highest rating to the boy's talents.
At the age of six, the young child prodigy began his studies in Warsaw, with the famous teacher A. Ruzhitsky.
Seeing more and more flourishing talent and craving for knowledge, the father decides to send Arthur to Germany. To be educated by high-class mentors - Max Bruch and Robert Kahn in music theory, Karl Heinrich Barth, who taught the young man all the intricacies of playing the piano. And Jozev Joachim himself was directly involved in the preparation of the young genius.
But not all that glitters is gold. In Berlin, Arthur had to go through serious trials. He found himself in very embarrassing circumstances. The father, at that time, was already broke and could not provide material support to his son. The last hope was in live performances. But they also required money to conclude contracts. In such a desperate moment, the young man turns to his friend, sending a letter with a request to give him a certain amount. But there was no answer. The pianist fell into inconsolable despair. Suicidal thoughts crept into consciousness like shameless thieves, threatening to take away the slightest craving for life.
But even here the music did not leave its chosen one. One had only to sit down at the piano, as life sparkled with new colors. Having touched the deepest abyss of despair, he realized how priceless and beautiful life is.
Musical career
The solo concert with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra became a breakthrough and a new step. This was followed by many concerts and traveling. However, critics and the public were still watching with caution, listening to his work. And Rubinstein himself understood that in order to rise higher, talent alone was not enough. He worked hard to research and analyze the strengths of other performers. Thus, he created his own, unique concept of sound presentation.
In the list of his compositions, for the most part, preferences were given to Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn. And it is no coincidence … After all, their work was shrouded in romance, which is what Arthur saw himself in.
In 1905 Rubinstein came to Paris with a concert. But the audience met the performer with a very restrained attitude.
Further tours in America were also not crowned with success.
After traveling with solo performances in the cities of Russia, Arthur Rubinstein was overtaken by the First World War. As a result, career activities had to be suspended. Due to his considerable knowledge of languages, he is assigned to work as a translator at the London headquarters.
In the 20s, he returned to creativity again. This time it will be a runaway success. Concerts in Russia and Europe bring unprecedented fame and triumph. They met with the artists and composers of the new culture, who played an important role in his views on creativity.
The personal life of a pianist
An enormous inspiring contribution to the life of the great wanderer-conqueror was made by his magnificent wife Nellie. They got married when Arthur was 42 years old. And although, according to the pianist himself, after marriage, he continued to look at other women, his wife remained the best and only one for him. Indeed, the family led a rather stressful lifestyle: constant moving, banquet receptions, meetings. Nellie has always been able to recreate the warm atmosphere of the hearth. She loved to paint pictures that later decorated the walls of the house. She cooked well and even published her own cookbook. She was a stately woman, dressed exquisitely and had an excellent taste in fashion.
The most amazing people met in the Rubinstein house: composers, writers, scientists. His natural charm attracted more and more eminent friends around the world.
last years of life
In France, where he and his wife moved to live, Rubinstein is overtaken by the Second World War. As a result, they are forced to migrate to the United States.
At the age of 77, Arthur Rubinstein again visits the cities of the Soviet Union, where he is eagerly awaited by the Russian public. And even at such a significant age, his lively and active game, combined with colossal skill, could envy young beginners. Time seemed to be beyond the control of his melodious soul.
According to Arthur Rubinstein himself, “Music for me is not a hobby and not even a passion. Music is myself."
On December 20, 1982, at the age of 95, the wandering conqueror Arthur Rubinstein passed away. He was buried as he wanted in Israel, near Jerusalem.
