Arthur Rubinstein plays Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major («Waldstein»), Op. 53 (1954)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53
(«Waldstein», «Aurora»)
[00:00] 1. Allegro con brio
[10:33] 2. Introduzione: Adagio molto (in F major)
[14:23] 3. Rondo. Allegretto moderato — Prestissimo

Arthur Rubinstein, piano

Recorded in 1954
Released in 1999 by RCA Red Seal Records: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 33

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[matthewraden]

As a teenager in the 1980’s I searched in vain for a vinyl recording by Rubinstein of this sonata. I looked in every record store and catalogue at the time, even the Schwann Catalogue but to no avail. Fast-forward to 2023 and I find it on YouTube on the first try. Thank you! I thought he had never recorded the “Waldstein.” I am so glad I found it.

[pianoredux]

As much as I esteem and wouldn't be without the Beethoven of Schnabel, Serkin, and Backhaus, there is nothing quite like the feeling of humanity, robust warmth, and emotional commitment that Rubinstein imparted to his performances of Beethoven. The Beethoven sonatas he recorded in the 50s and early 60s (like this recording) are deathless classics, I've listened to them for over 50 years. People can carp about the way he fudged the glissandos etc. but in the big picture his instinctive, sure way of keeping the line going is intensely expressive, his tone like a golden horn, his pianissimos and slow movements Olympian in their repose. Kudos to the uploader for the photos (where did he get all of them?), though I think it was a mistake to correlate the effervescent end the third movement with that photo of Rubinstein near death. (Also not the best idea to run the beginning of the second movement instantaneously into the end of the first.)

[codysteevis]

Never heard No. 21 played like this. As always, I'm quite impressed with Rubinstein:)

[peteroxley]

Besides the great music, lovely pictures of AR. thanks for sharing!

[magicmulder]

People accused Horowitz of slowing down to be able to play the infamous octaves non-glissando, but Rubinstein slows down to an actual crawl leading up to them whereas he plays faster than many performers in other parts.
Also the Rondo is a bit too harsh IMO, the motif doesn’t really sing.

[antoniusblok]

Arrau is better in Beethoven. This doesn't sound like Beethoven.