Anton Grigoryevich Rubinstein

Anton Grigoryevich Rubinstein , 1829-94, Russian pianist, composer, and educator. As a piano virtuoso he was celebrated for his perfect technique and emotional power, and was rivaled only by Liszt. He made his debut in Moscow at nine and later performed in Europe, where he won the admiration of Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Liszt. In 1872, Rubinstein founded the St. Petersburg Conservatory and was its director (1862-67, 1887-91). During 1872-73 he made a triumphant tour of the United States. He was once highly esteemed as a composer, but little of his music is performed today. His brother, Nicholas Grigoryevich Rubinstein, 1835-81, also a brilliant pianist and teacher, founded (1864) the Moscow Conservatory, which he headed for the rest of his life.

Bibliography: See C. D. Bowen, Free Artist: The Story of Anton and Nicholas Rubinstein (1939); H. Sachs, Rubinstein: A Life (1995).

Rubinstein, Anton (Grigorievich) (b Vikhvatinets, 1829; d Peterhof, 1894). Russ. pianist and composer. Début Moscow 1839, European tour 1840–3. Studied comp., Berlin 1844–6. Returned to Russia 1848, then went to Ger. 1854 with many of his own comps. Settled in St Petersburg 1858 as court pianist and cond. Founded St Petersburg Cons. 1862 (dir. until 1867, then 1887–90). Cond. Vienna PO 1871–2. Toured USA 1872–3, giving 215 concerts. Visited Eng. several times between 1841 and 1886. Farewell recitals 1886–7. One of greatest pianists of his day and a prolific composer. Remembered for his Melody in F for pf. Other works incl. 20 operas (incl. The Demon, 1871); 6 syms., incl. the ‘Ocean’; 5 pf. concs.; vn. conc.; 2 vc. concs.; 10 str. qts.; and much other chamber mus.; also pf. pieces and songs.