Artur Rubinstein, born on 28 January, was one of the 20th century’s most celebrated pianists, renowned for his extraordinary technique, rich tonal palette, and deeply expressive performances.

He earned his spot among the 20th-century piano greats as a Chopin interpreter. Whether performing Chopin’s Concertos or Nocturnes, his playing was full of warmth, expressive phrasing and rich, beautiful colours. His interpretations are filled with a unique blend of refined passion and poetic elegance. On the occasion of his birthday, let us sample some of his most highly acclaimed and iconic recordings.

Chopin Nocturnes

Arthur Rubinstein Performs Chopin’s Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2

Rubinstein’s approach to the Chopin Nocturnes was distinctive and deeply personal. Often described as lush and expressive, he brought an intensity to the lyrical and poetic qualities of these works that maintained the intimacy of the essential Chopin style. In his interpretative choices, especially in terms of rubato and phrasing, he was able to heighten the emotional depth of the pieces without becoming excessive.

His refined technique, emotional depth, and respect for the subtleties of the music make his interpretations some of the finest in the repertoire. Some critics suggest that his playing might have benefitted from greater contrast and subtlety, but the quality of his performances remains exceptional. His interpretation, combining technical mastery and profound emotional insight, continues to be a benchmark for pianists and listeners alike.

Brahms Recordings

Arthur Rubinstein Performs Brahms

Arthur Rubinstein found his way to Chopin via Brahms. His performances and recordings of Brahms are marked by lyrical beauty, technical mastery, and emotionally introspective interpretations. Renowned for its deeply musical phrasing and warmth, Rubinstein emphasised the more tender and introspective side of the music. He was able to produce a rounded and sonorous quality while maintaining clarity even in the most dense musical passages.

Arthur Rubinstein

Some critics argue that Rubinstein’s emphasis on lyricism occasionally detracts from the darker, more conflicted side of Brahms. He was certainly less aggressive in the fast and virtuosic passages, leading to a much more fluid interpretation. As his playing evolved, Rubinstein focused on articulation and the clarity of phrasing, allowing the nuances of Brahms’ contrapuntal lines to emerge.

Beethoven Concertos

Arthur Rubinstein Performs Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 73 (Emperor)

Arthur Rubinstein performed and recorded the Beethoven Piano Concertos on countless occasions and with various orchestras and conductors. His relationship with orchestras and conductors is typically one of collaboration rather than competition. One of Rubinstein’s most distinctive features in his Beethoven recordings is one of emotional restraint. His performances are marked by a controlled depth of feeling, expressing emotion through subtle inflections and phrasing.

Arthur Rubinstein

The “Emperor” Concerto was certainly one of his favourites, and regardless of pairing, he delivered majestic yet intimate interpretations. In fact, he captured the grandeur of the concerto while still allowing for the lyrical beauty of Beethoven’s melodic lines to come through. As always, his phrasing in the slow movement is deeply moving.

Franz Liszt

Arthur Rubinstein, 1971

Renowned for his musicality, Rubinstein approached the music of Liszt with a refined understanding of the emotional content of the works. Rather than focusing on sheer virtuosity, he tended to highlight the lyrical and poetic elements.

His performances often exhibited warmth and lyrical sensitivity, which helped bring out the more human and spiritual aspects of Liszt’s compositions. In pieces like the Liebesträume, Rubinstein infuses the music with a sense of introspective depth. His control of tonal colour was often a point of admiration, and to the consternation of some critics, his Liszt performances were typically less about showing technical prowess and more about musical refinement.

Debussy Preludes

Arthur Rubinstein’s interpretations of Debussy’s Préludes offer a fascinating insight into both his artistry and the complexities of Debussy‘s music. Rubinstein, known for his profound emotional expressiveness and exceptional technique, brings a particular sensitivity and refinement to the Préludes, a set of pieces rich in imagery, texture, and impressionistic colour.

Rubinstein’s Debussy is certainly rooted in the grand, late-Romantic tradition. Often deeply moving and full of character, they are sometimes more dramatic and less transparent in capturing the subtleties of Debussy’s sound world. For some listeners, Rubinstein’s interpretations will offer a rich, lush listening experience, while for others, the clarity and precision of Debussy’s vision may occasionally be lost beneath his sweeping expressive gestures.

Arthur Rubinstein’s legacy endures as one of the 20th century’s most celebrated pianists, renowned for his expressive artistry, unparalleled technique, and his deep emotional connection to the music.

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Arthur Rubinstein Plays Debussy’s Prelude No. 8 Book 2, “Ondine”