Anton Rubinstein

[Remon]

Heey!!

Have you ever played piece(s) of Anton (Not Arthur! ) Rubinstein? At the moment, I'm doing an Impromptu Op. 26 of him. His music may not be as good as that of Chopin or Liszt, but he surely has written some nice music!
I would like to hear your opinion about his music!

Greetingz!

Remon

[10Fingers]

I played the Melodie in F, but can't remember whether it was by Arthur or Anton, very confusing...

[frederic]

Arthur Rubinstein (or artur) is not a composer. He is just a pianist like Horowitz or Arrau. Anton is a legendary pianist (like Liszt) but is also remembered as a teacher and composer.

[Remon]

Yes, the well-known melody in F is composed by Anton Rubinstein! It's one of his most famous works.
But has anyone played other (lesser known) pieces by this composer?
I heard his piano sonatas and concertos are quite difficult and complex...

[frederic]

May i suggest "Kamenniy ostrov", No.22 from 24 Musical Portraits, Op.10. And indeed this paints a picture. The name means Eastern star, and you will understand why as soon as you hear it. It is extremely beautiful and is quite difficult. Highly recommended.

[ted]

The staccato study in C is a good piece. It is easy to learn and sounds much harder than it really is.

[frederic]

No, i believe that staccato etude is extremely difficult. I have not dare to learn it. It's meant to go extremely fast. Many pianists have said its just too difficult. And in my opinion, it is not a very nice piece. Quite boring...

[trunks]

Anton and Artur - they were both masters of the masters on the piano, but bearing no kinship to each other.

Hey there is a Romance (in Eb?) by Anton which is easy to play. The Melody in F, with the melody alternating between the hands in wide stretches, is not an easy piece by any standard. Despite the famous, lovely theme, it is surprisingly difficult to play!

[willster]

The third and fourth are the best known of the piano concertos. I started studying them simultaneously but have had to give a lot of time to the final movement of the 4th - I think i will come back to the 3rd at a later date as I definately bit off more than I can chew!! There is a Brahmsian quality to his music, but with a more excessive romantic approach, sort of a brahms liszt cross - but certainly no mongrel!

[comme_le_vent]

the d minor concerto is good, the themes are catchy and emotional.
i have also heard the famous staccato etude, and a sonata which i thought kicked ass(it was in a minor key and had a beethovinian drama to it).