Arthur Rubinstein on playing and feeling for music, talent, composing, soul, Schubert quintet...

excerpted from L'amour de la Vie

[rose-marietrembloy]

I saw him in Brussels, after the war. I was 16. We were rather poor, so our seats were on the side, almost over him. For two hours I was totally enthralled, I could not look at anything but his hands. I still feel it after all those years . It was my first real concert, unforgettable.

[Thespirit]

I can´t imagine a world without Arthur Rubinstein

[andresgunther]

"You must not touch any piece of music which is not 'yours'; which doesn't talk to you"
"Du sollst kein Musikstueck spielen das nicht 'dein' ist; das dich nicht anspricht"
"No debes tocar ninguna pieza musical que no sea 'tuya'; que no the diga nada"
This is so extremely important. This video should be watched by any musician who takes his profession seriously.

[brmf]

I love my native land for giving birth to Artur Rubinstein and countless great musicians.

[kraftpr]

There will never be another like him. The world is a much poorer place without him. What glorious music he must be making in heaven!

[MrAristaeus]

“Unplayable”... 05:05

THAT admission comes close to explaining a little Rubinstein’s artistic genius... his perception, insight, and modesty.

He was a true poet and reached a height in his artistry that very few pianists achieve in their ‘playing’, which is no longer about pianism, no matter how honourable and impressive. There IS an elemental Truth in what he managed to express.

[Alpha-Andromeda]

He is my great great uncle. My father looked just like Arthur, a perfect gentleman except he was schooled in Britain so he had a British accent. It’s my son who has inherited his hands. If he could only see the talent we all see in him he might not balk at practicing. Viva Arthur Rubinstein forever ❤ “when I play I make love” …

[horatiodreamt]

IIRC, I saw part of a televised interview of Horowitz. Horowitz said music comes from here (he pointed to his heart) but "this is always in control" (he then pointed to his brain). He also said that "music is controlled emotion".

[thomasmeier]

Rubinstein, a man who lived the pianoforte, who passed on music with such devotion that it could move people to tears, and generations of pianists who saw him as a role model, says many things right. But it is not only talent that one has to bring along, but it is education that is the first prerequisite for letting people develop talent. What use is talent and love of music if there is no discipline, no seriousness and no education or good teachers? Everything must come together to become a good musician. One thing is not enough. A teacher shapes the student and a bad teacher can ruin the best talent. If talent and a very good teacher come together, then an outstanding artist can emerge. Schubert had very good composition teachers, like Salieri, who was also a teacher of Beethoven. Rubinstein himself had lessons with Karl Heinrich Barth, who brought out pupils like Heinrich Neuhaus and Wilhelm Kempff, and Barth himself was a pupil of Hans von Bülow and Karl Tausig. So nothing comes from nowhere. Nevertheless, Rubinstein's will and talent was of course his driving force, but also the search for a very good teacher helped him to become what he became.

[tinatinratiani]

Rubinstein's words resonate deeply with musicians and music lovers worldwide. His emphasis on playing with feeling and infusing one's soul into the music serves as a constant reminder of the true essence of musical expression. His interpretations, particularly of Schubert's quintet, continue to move and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Rubinstein's wisdom and passion for music will forever be cherished by generations to come.

[alsleepr]

I saw him in 1975 as a teenager, and his performance was so inspiring to me as a young pianist. It is interesting to look back and realize he was 88yo and played in such an effortless manner. I won't ever forget that performance...thanks for sharing this video.

[johnhedgerguitarstudio]

This is so wonderful! Arthur Rubinstein made love to the whole world every day of his life!

[alecpetrossian]

I wish I had the chance to see him live in concert.

[thegreatagnesbaltsa]

That Chopin Nocturne op.27 no.2 in d flat in the beginning is one of my favorite Chopin, and it's heavenly. His meaningful words and love for music are so touching. i mean his genuine soul makes me cry.. The silence with Schubert at 05:05 tells us everything...

[bruce_c_in_nz]

I think I am in the minority of a small minority. First, I love the entire work, which has four movements. Only a small number of people regard this work as the greatest of all. I share this view with one of the great pianists of all time. He focuses, as most lovers of the work do, on the profound beauty of the adagio (slow) second movement. The third movement contains two parts, the centre part being called a trio. I find this part even more profound than the exquisitely beautiful adagio and it takes me to the depths of despair. So far, I am unaware of anyone sharing this perception.

To complete the picture, Schubert's final movement is mostly quite upbeat and jolly - a total contrast.

[donatiennecaron]

Indeed, sooo true what he says. Making music is the ultime way of communication. It’s the most beautiful language that exists. Even as an amateur player it’s like heaven to express our deepest feelings of our soul through playing music.

[amanjhariya]

Genius is an underwhelming compliment for him

[arman]

"When I play music, I make love."
Reminds me of what Schwarzenegger said about pumping iron in his documentary. You know 😉

[timotot]

Schubert was such a great great composer. I don't know even half of his works however I know the great influence his music has had on other great composers and performers. I trust my instinct that Schubert was one of the greatest composers along side Bach, Beethoven and Mozart

[cultivandoflores]

Pode haver grandes pianistas. Claro que há! Mas como Arthur Rubinstein não haverá! Está pra nascer!