Romanticism

Anton Rubinstein
http://www.maurice-abravanel.com/rubinstein_anton_english.html
1829 - 1894
Rubinstein (Rubinshteyn), Anton Grigorýevich was born in Vikhvatinï, Ukraine [Podoliya] on 16 or 28 November1829 and he died in Peterhof [now Petrodvorets) on 8 or 20 November 1894). He was a Russian pianist, composer, conductor and teacher. He was the brother of Nikolay Rubinstein. He was one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century, his playing was compared with Liszt s. He was also an influential, if controversial figure in Russian musical circles, and an exceptionally prolific composer.

However, Rubinstein's principal claim to international fame was as a pianist. As a young man he had admired Liszt, studying carefully his mannerisms on the concert platform. This admiration continued throughout the older man's life, and like Liszt's, Rubinstein's recitals were tremendous occasions. He was always very nervous beforehand, and his interpretations were not totally preordained; there was always an element of surprise. Such was his magnetism that he held his audiences in thrall, and they in turn formed an integral part of his music-making. Hanslick wrote ecstatically of Rubinstein's rendering of Chopin's Sonata no.2 in Bb minor, averring that there were no sentimental fluctuations of pace in his rubatos, nor was there any affectation in his playing, though its power was 'elemental'. Even Balakirev wrote to Tchaikovsky that 'he played exquisitely a Beethoven sonata (in C major) [the Waldstein] and pieces by Chopin'.

Love his:Barcarolle in Fminor,rich texture,beautiful tone, Melodie in F,
Amazed with his: 6 Etudes -CSharp Minor(no.3)