1943: Onstage on this Date

On May 4, 1943, celebrated classical pianist Arthur Rubenstein played a concert at the Lobero Theatre.

He has been described as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, celebrated for his interpretations of great composers and passionate playing style.

Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982) was an internationally-acclaimed Polish American classical pianist. He received international acclaim for his performances of the music written by a variety of composers and many regard him as the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time.

In 1937, Rubinstein returned to Carnegie Hall at the height of his powers. It had been more than thirty years, and this time he was hailed as a genius. In his performance of Chopin, critics saw not only the master musician but a revolutionary reinterpretation of the composer’s work. Rubinstein realized that the growing threat of Nazi occupation necessitated his family’s immediate relocation to America, where he found a home in Los Angeles among a number of other European refugees.

“[Rubestein’s] playing was not the controlled sedate playing of the traditional classical musician, but a wild unrestrained embrace of the piano. It was his charismatic and passionate playing, rather than his virtuosity which drew large audiences.” *

Despite his age and failing health, Rubinstein continued to perform throughout his seventies and eighties. His lifelong commitment to music and his extensive body of work remains an inspiration to classical music lovers around the world.

Sources:

• https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/arthur-rubinstein-about-arthur-rubinstein/693/
• https://www.steinway.com/artists/arthur-rubinstein
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Rubinstein