After seeing a few videos of Rubinstein as an older guy having some trouble with his precision, I didn't think he deserved the praise people have given him. This video changed my mind. One of the best piano performances I have ever had the privilege of observing. Masterful.
Bottom line rubinstein felt this music ,and had the musicality and temperment to pull it off...without overdoing it...i once listened to 12 of the greatest pianiist play the Rachmaninoff third concerto, Horowitz was the best,while the others made it s tangle of notes,, Horowitz made it musical ,and still had his untouchable technique. Yet with chopin, Rubinstein was even more musical then Horowitz.. that was how naturally musical Rubinstein was in chopin,,,in Rachmaninoff,or lizst i like Horowitz.
Rubinstein had one of the finest ears for melody. This was always the most important element for him. He brought it out in every phrase. Also, Rubinstein grew up in Poland where Chopin spent his childhood. Chopin heard the native music and rhythms of Poland which he put into each piece of music he composed. Unique among pianists, Rubinstein had an innate understanding of these elements and brought them out in every performance.
I remember once, there was a storm outside. I went to sleep and let Chopin play. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, a thunder hit somewhere near my yard. I jumped out of bed and heard this scherzo raging from the speakers. Scared the shit out of me.
Under Chopin's watchful eye... Beautiful. Love this tempo. So serene, yet magical and lyrical, without all the unnecessary "noise" that so many add. He knows what to put "en relief," and what not to, and is very careful with contrasts, which flow and seem so natural He lets the piece speak, and that makes it a very powerful interpretation. One of the best, if not my favorite!
I think this is one of the greatest recordings of all time for this piece. Especially the middle passages, which are played with such quiet energy and calm...the coda is what most people come for, but the glistening chord arpeggios in those passages are just breathtaking, especially when played by someone like Rubenstein. Obviously, the coda is also great: energetic, emotional, dear lord! Chopin must've been a genius, and it is a tragedy that he had died so soon. Never take this down. ☺
Superb artist! One does not see poetic interpetations anymore nowadays! Young artists should hear the old masters, like the great Rubinstein, not to copy them but to feel that emotion is still the key of musical comunication.
This is wonderful. I went and heard Rubinstein in London in about 1970. I will never forget that amazing magical performance. He was incredible. So musical and sensitive.
