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Topic: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?  (Read 2380 times)

Offline Jake

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Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
on: March 30, 2005, 04:39:55 AM
Hi everyone. The following genealogy question is very obscure, but I'd be greatful for any help anyone could provide (or recommendations on where I could go for further information).

I am the 13th generation direct descendent of Israel Ben Eliezer (Bal Shem Tov) on my father's side. Israel Ben Eliezer was essentially the founder of Hasidism and a very important figure in Jewish thought, mysticism etc.

The men of my father's side where all Rabbis until four generations ago. They lived in Odessa, Russia. The family surname was Rubinstein.

Anton Rubinstein was born in Vikhvatinetz, Moldova (which is not very far from Odessa). However, Rubinstein was from an aristocratic family, while ours was definitley not... So it's possible that the name Rubinstein was merely a common Jewish surname at the time. Still, can anyone provide a family tree for Anton Rubinstein or proof of a relationship to Israel Ben Eliezer? 

Offline Motrax

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #1 on: March 30, 2005, 05:06:30 AM
Although I can't help you with this specific topic (it is an intersting one!), I do know that Rubinstein is an exceptionally common name - on the same level as Smith or Clark here in the United States. Although I don't want to discourage you, the chances of your being related to Anton Rubinstein based solely on the name are very low. Good luck on your search, though!
"I always make sure that the lid over the keyboard is open before I start to play." --  Artur Schnabel, after being asked for the secret of piano playing.

Offline hodi

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #2 on: March 30, 2005, 02:27:32 PM
if you are a profoundly gifted pianist.. then... maybe?? ;D

Offline bernhard

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #3 on: March 30, 2005, 09:00:11 PM
Rubinstein himself was believed by many to be the illegitimate son of Beethoven (he was not: he was born three years after Beethoven’s death).

I know it is sort of completely irrelevant to your question, but it seemed somehow pertinent. ;)

Good luck, and let us know if you find out.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.
The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. (Hunter Thompson)

Offline BoliverAllmon

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #4 on: March 30, 2005, 10:04:48 PM
Rubinstein himself was believed by many to be the illegitimate son of Beethoven (he was not: he was born three years after Beethoven’s death).

I know it is sort of completely irrelevant to your question, but it seemed somehow pertinent. ;)

Good luck, and let us know if you find out.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

what was the name of the guy who many thought was the child of beethoven. The child's mother and beethoven had feelings for each other but never got married and the child become a talented musician of some sort. I always hear him referred to as the child, but never hear his name.

boliver

Offline bernhard

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #5 on: March 30, 2005, 10:16:25 PM


what was the name of the guy who many thought was the child of beethoven. The child's mother and beethoven had feelings for each other but never got married and the child become a talented musician of some sort. I always hear him referred to as the child, but never hear his name.

boliver

It was not a guy; it was a girl. Her name was Minona Stackelberg, and she was the daughter of Josephine von Brunswick. Beethoven at one time was infatuated with Josephine, and at another time with her sister Therese. They are both possibilities for the immortal beloved. You can read more (and see a picture) of Minona here:

https://www.lvbeethoven.com/Famille/FamilyTree-Minona.html

Best wishes,
Bernhard.
The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. (Hunter Thompson)

Offline Jake

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #6 on: March 31, 2005, 08:37:00 PM
Thanks for the responses.  :)

I'm beginning to accept that I'm probably not related to Tony R, but I might consider consulting a pro genealogy researcher if I can find the spare time.

Offline BoliverAllmon

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Re: Am I related to Anton Rubinstein?
Reply #7 on: March 31, 2005, 09:01:39 PM
Thanks for the responses.  :)

I'm beginning to accept that I'm probably not related to Tony R, but I might consider consulting a pro genealogy researcher if I can find the spare time.

and the spare money.
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