Anton Rubinstein

Biography

Anton Rubinstein is called by Dolge 'next to Liszt... perhaps the greatest piano virtuoso,' whose art developed alongside the instrument itself. In 1840, as a boy of ten, he played the delicate pianos then made in Paris; later, Becker as well as Schröder of St. Petersburg built modern grand pianos for him, on which his genius could range freely without fear of damaging the instrument. Dolge states that anyone who heard Rubinstein in his prime knows he surpassed even Liszt in the forcefulness of his attack on the piano, and that he made greater propaganda for the instrument than any virtuoso besides Liszt. His testimonials were widely sought, and he reportedly gave them freely to the many makers of meritorious grand pianos. A portrait of Rubinstein accompanies the text. Anton Rubinstein is recorded as having performed at the Salle Pleyel in Paris in 1841, at the age of ten, part of a succession of noted virtuosos—following Frederic Chopin's 1832 debut there—who performed at the hall associated with the Pleyel piano firm in its early years.

Highlights

• Played at the Salle Pleyel in 1841 at age 10
• As a boy of 10 in 1840, played the delicate pianos then made in Paris
• Later played modern grand pianos built for him by Becker and Schröder of St. Petersburg
• Considered by Dolge to be, next to Liszt, the greatest piano virtuoso and the greatest maker of 'propaganda' for the piano

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911).

Public domain.