Rubinstein

Biography

Rubinstein is recorded as having given unstinted praise to the Erard, Pleyel, Blüthner and many other pianos. After playing the Steinway in 215 consecutive concerts, he stated that he had done so 'with eminent satisfaction and effect.' Elsewhere in this account, Rubinstein's playing is used as a benchmark of comparison: the text notes that later virtuosos such as Joseffy achieved delicate pianissimo effects on the same pianos upon which Rubinstein had 'thundered,' and that Josef Hofmann was considered in his maturity to be a reincarnation of Liszt and Rubinstein combined. Rubinstein is mentioned in the text only in passing, as the teacher under whom Josef Hofmann studied while playing a Schröder piano. No further biographical information about Rubinstein is given in this passage; the reference serves solely to establish part of Hofmann's early musical training and his historical use of that make of piano before he came to endorse the Steinway. Rubinstein is named as one of the greatest piano virtuosos engaged by William Steinway for concerts in New York and other large cities of the United States and Canada, as part of Steinway's campaign to build public appreciation for music and popularity for the piano. No further biographical detail is given.

Highlights

• Engaged by William Steinway for concerts across the United States and Canada as one of the greatest piano virtuosos of the day
• On record with unstinted praise for the Erard, Pleyel, Blüthner and many other pianos.
• Played the Steinway in 215 consecutive concerts 'with eminent satisfaction and effect.'
• Taught Josef Hofmann, who played a Schröder piano while studying under him

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 175, 391, 398.

Public domain.