Arthur Rubinstein on playing and feeling for music, talent, composing, soul, Schubert quintet...

excerpted from L'amour de la Vie

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

I saw him in Brussels, after the war. I was 16. We were rather poor, so our seats were on the side, almost over him. For two hours I was totally enthralled, I could not look at anything but his hands. I still feel it after all those years . It was my first real concert, unforgettable.

[@stanleyjensen1950]

There are those who go their entire life and not experience art as you did...and, even more sadly, there are those who could have sat where you sat and not understood at all what you felt when you heard him play.

[@carlop3019]

[@mishasawangwan6652]

beautiful.

[@AdieLoveCA]

how lucky you were!!

[@pubgplayer1720]

Tu parles Français Belgique, ou Néerlandais flamand?

[@The1976spirit]

I can´t imagine a world without Arthur Rubinstein

[@garrettcooper471]

I can it'd be crap

[@tomaserrazuriz4381]

beutyful answer my friend!! I can't imagine it also... Without any one that asks what is the soul. If you ask with words, you needs words to answer... poetry, but he answered with sounds, and responded with sounds: music... We can hear the soul, we can breathe it, as he shows....

[@piikkikruunu]

We don't have to. 🙂 ❤️

[@aram5642]

Art wouldn't suffer (pun intended)

[@user-zz2dx3qf7u]

You're seeing it now.

[@andresgunther]

"You must not touch any piece of music which is not 'yours'; which doesn't talk to you" "Du sollst kein Musikstueck spielen das nicht 'dein' ist; das dich nicht anspricht" "No debes tocar ninguna pieza musical que no sea 'tuya'; que no the diga nada" This is so extremely important. This video should be watched by any musician who takes his profession seriously.

[@user-pq6yx6gf8m]

Mmmmm, Do you like how playing Horowitz???

[@kraftpr]

There will never be another like him. The world is a much poorer place without him. What glorious music he must be making in heaven!

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

He is my great great uncle. My father looked just like Arthur, a perfect gentleman except he was schooled in Britain so he had a British accent. It’s my son who has inherited his hands. If he could only see the talent we all see in him he might not balk at practicing. Viva Arthur Rubinstein forever ❤ “when I play I make love” …

[@takeshiaiza3374]

Please, when he gets older… do everything in your power to nudge him along a path similar to Artur Rubinstein. I would cherish so greatly watching your son play in person one day. If you don’t mind me asking, what is his name?

[@takeshiaiza3374]

Also, recently I learned that his name might be pronounced “Artur”. This might be a rumor i heard… if so, my apologies.

[@brmf4346]

I love my native land for giving birth to Artur Rubinstein and countless great musicians.

[@MrAristaeus]

“Unplayable”... 05:05 THAT admission comes close to explaining a little Rubinstein’s artistic genius... his perception, insight, and modesty. He was a true poet and reached a height in his artistry that very few pianists achieve in their ‘playing’, which is no longer about pianism, no matter how honourable and impressive. There IS an elemental Truth in what he managed to express.

[@kelvino1237]

do you know the name of the piece that comes in after this?

[@nunoareia27]

@@kelvino1237 it's the schubert quintet. The adagio.

[@sleepysundaymorning5034]

i think he said "Unbearable"

[@alsleepr]

I saw him in 1975 as a teenager, and his performance was so inspiring to me as a young pianist. It is interesting to look back and realize he was 88yo and played in such an effortless manner. I won't ever forget that performance...thanks for sharing this video.

[@horatiodreamt]

IIRC, I saw part of a televised interview of Horowitz. Horowitz said music comes from here (he pointed to his heart) but "this is always in control" (he then pointed to his brain). He also said that "music is controlled emotion".

[@thegreatagnesbaltsa3948]

That Chopin Nocturne op.27 no.2 in d flat in the beginning is one of my favorite Chopin, and it's heavenly. His meaningful words and love for music are so touching. i mean his genuine soul makes me cry.. The silence with Schubert at 05:05 tells us everything...

[@thomasmeier9487]

Rubinstein, a man who lived the pianoforte, who passed on music with such devotion that it could move people to tears, and generations of pianists who saw him as a role model, says many things right. But it is not only talent that one has to bring along, but it is education that is the first prerequisite for letting people develop talent. What use is talent and love of music if there is no discipline, no seriousness and no education or good teachers? Everything must come together to become a good musician. One thing is not enough. A teacher shapes the student and a bad teacher can ruin the best talent. If talent and a very good teacher come together, then an outstanding artist can emerge. Schubert had very good composition teachers, like Salieri, who was also a teacher of Beethoven. Rubinstein himself had lessons with Karl Heinrich Barth, who brought out pupils like Heinrich Neuhaus and Wilhelm Kempff, and Barth himself was a pupil of Hans von Bülow and Karl Tausig. So nothing comes from nowhere. Nevertheless, Rubinstein's will and talent was of course his driving force, but also the search for a very good teacher helped him to become what he became.

[@donatiennecaron6715]

Indeed, sooo true what he says. Making music is the ultime way of communication. It’s the most beautiful language that exists. Even as an amateur player it’s like heaven to express our deepest feelings of our soul through playing music.

[@groovermctoober4508]

My God, this is so uplifting, so immeasurably beautiful...

[@tinatinratiani]

Rubinstein's words resonate deeply with musicians and music lovers worldwide. His emphasis on playing with feeling and infusing one's soul into the music serves as a constant reminder of the true essence of musical expression. His interpretations, particularly of Schubert's quintet, continue to move and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Rubinstein's wisdom and passion for music will forever be cherished by generations to come.

[@arman2339]

"When I play music, I make love." Reminds me of what Schwarzenegger said about pumping iron in his documentary. You know 😉

[@jassskmaster7575]

lmao yea I know

[@LiveUPMedia]

What was the peice he played after he said that?

[@adrianbartholomew3785]

Exactly.

[@pianomaly9859]

@@LiveUPMedia Slow mvt. from Schubert String Quintet in C.

[@MyFunnyBeard]

@@LiveUPMedia it's not shubert's quintet. It's Beethoven's Quintet op. 59 no. 1 the adagio section.

[@javierbiaggi3072]

Maestro, you are already living above the science. You now understand that soul can't be define by scientist because it can't be studied under their the 4 forces of the universe. Science can't explain why we seek the truth nor why we wrote poems nor why we seek beauty. Soul is that part of us that move us beyond the rational and physical state into the realms of beauty and joy, heavens itself were you dwell now immersed in beauty and music.

[@johnhedgerguitarstudio3436]

This is so wonderful! Arthur Rubinstein made love to the whole world every day of his life!

[@amanjhariya3427]

Genius is an underwhelming compliment for him

[@alecpetrossian7459]

I wish I had the chance to see him live in concert.

[@Hepatic_Cardiomyopathy]

Me too

[@carlrichards49]

@@Hepatic_Cardiomyopathy I was privileged to hear him live many times and it was always magical. His recordings, wonderful as they are, do not capture his gigantic personality nor the love he projected toward his adoring audience. Once we had stage seats at Carnegie Hall, about six feet from the keyboard. Unforgettable. There will never be another like him. As someone said about Liszt, "the memory of his playing consoles me for being no longer young."

[@valentina6429]

I heard him many times and spoke to him. He was delightful and very witty 😂❤

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

I think I am in the minority of a small minority. First, I love the entire work, which has four movements. Only a small number of people regard this work as the greatest of all. I share this view with one of the great pianists of all time. He focuses, as most lovers of the work do, on the profound beauty of the adagio (slow) second movement. The third movement contains two parts, the centre part being called a trio. I find this part even more profound than the exquisitely beautiful adagio and it takes me to the depths of despair. So far, I am unaware of anyone sharing this perception. To complete the picture, Schubert's final movement is mostly quite upbeat and jolly - a total contrast.

[@srirampdm]

Beautiful! And that part about him talking about the soul as a power in us, being the same in all of us together as humans - sounds like he would find much comfort in ancient Indian philosophy, especially the Upanishads :) It's a beautiful and noble concept, wish more people knew about it!

[@cultivandoflores3990]

Pode haver grandes pianistas. Claro que há! Mas como Arthur Rubinstein não haverá! Está pra nascer!

[@richardherbert9320]

Absolutely the genius!

[@oluapingo]

What an amazing man/artist.

[@NoferTrunions]

What he said is absolutely true - somehwhat shocking because I came to the same conclusions over the years. After watching him speak, he now reminds me so much of Maria João Pires.

[@timotot123]

Schubert was such a great great composer. I don't know even half of his works however I know the great influence his music has had on other great composers and performers. I trust my instinct that Schubert was one of the greatest composers along side Bach, Beethoven and Mozart

[@geldbohne8732]

cough chopin cogh

[@davidgerhardus3885]

@@geldbohne8732 there is no comparing in how much one loves music of a composer. And thats good. However the influence of a composer is no matter of subjectivity. And chopins influence is there but not as great as that of bach beethoven mozart and bach (well wagner and schoenberg should be up there too as well as haydn although im not a real fan). That of course doesn't matter when listening to chopins great music.

[@pubgplayer1720]

@@davidgerhardus3885 Come on though, Chopin was better than *every single* composer at his time. Even Liszt (Liszt ripped off Chopin's work anyways). Chopin is ranked number 4 out of top best classical composers, based on peoples' votes. His music is stunningly revolutionary and beautiful. Chopin is number 4 besides Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven.

[@elijahj9902]

Chopins works are very emotional and requiring of attention. There are enjoyed in private and intimate settings. Not to say there are bad, Chopin remains my favorite composer, but as you see, in a public perspective his works aren’t as preferred as Bach or Schubert.

[@laukunst]

You are absolutely right. Schubert was a huge composer. And lived only 31 years. Frequently with mone issues, trying to sell his music to editors. Sick, sad sometimes, but always surrounded by friends and his beloved brother. The profound messages of his music are offered to us.

[@carmenmorel3203]

The MAXIMAL MASTER SINCE EVER🌷

[@clydebermingham121]

I think , part of what he is explaining &/or expressing here is partly about story telling when composing & performing music 🙏🏽

[@shary5165]

He says exactly what I coudn't find the words for. Playing it is like making love. All my soul and feelings go into it.

[@jazzinit4u]

He lived music. He breezed music. " you can't learn talent"

[@merianaki1]

Thank you...thank you... How wonderful and true words, feelings...

[@ellisonhamilton3322]

Arthur Rubinstein spoke through music like no other. The world is the poorer for his absence.

[@rrrrrr-kb9sb]

He always said: “I love life; I’d be happy in prison.” Easy to say that when you’re rich & famous.

[@pacificcoastpianos]

Thank you for this 🙏

[@markgoyette6827]

Absolutely Amazing

[@surapolp]

The music at 2:40 isthe transcription of Adagio from Beethoven's String Quartet op.59 No.1.

[@netgezgini6801]

This part also sounds like Chopin's famous Valse Melancolique in F-sharp minor.

[@raphaelneves7666]

@@netgezgini6801 it's Mayer

[@donatiennecaron6715]

Surapol Pairojtanachai Where could I find this PDF for playing this piece on the piano? Thanks for helping me!🙏🙏

[@MyFunnyBeard]

@@donatiennecaron6715 I second that request. I feel a loss without it.

[@cylnx4174]

Here is a piano transcription: imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/25874/frz

[@monumentofwonders]

Wonderful and wise.

[@silviapavani-devisser1150]

what an insight on the nature of soul

[@simonboccanegra3811]

He says here that he would like to hear the Schubert D.956 quintet just before dying. As it happened, the last piece he heard was the Brahms "Double" Concerto, according to friends who were present.

[@Ivan_1791]

That's a pity.

[@user-pu7uc9gi2x]

We miss you so much...♥♥♥♥

[@goldenboy886]

The soul is of the essence. The essence is of the soul.

[@FilipSandecomposer]

A really Nice footage...Thanks for sharing!

[@jtt6650]

All my grandparents died before I was born (the last one a week before), so I pretend he’s my grandfather! ☺️

[@josephnelson2486]

Good expression 🎼🎹👏

[@ikmarchini]

How odd and yet how right that Rubinstein the great pianist should introduce the the Schubert Quintett for strings. That shows his profound understanding of music.

[@spuckwith]

Thank you for this Ben

[@williammolina1916]

Son sus manos el encantamiento que brinda a las fibras del sentimiento alegría y descanso

[@racheloliver17]

Heavenly!!

[@kiyashahidi768]

This is to die for

[@lucasgust7720]

2:40 it seemed to me he was going to play Rach 2

[@MrAristaeus]

Lucas Gust same key signature and chord. You have a good ear!

[@monitor1998]

I thought the same!

[@edenyarkoni4282]

me too

[@Javid_74]

Haha yeah I thought exactly the same

[@psirus89]

I always think I have very bad pitch. I have a lot of troubles finding notes for a pop song, even tho I play piano all my life. Why is it, that I instantly heard Rach 2 like you, but cant find notes for a simple pop song. I know you can train it, but still. If I have a reference I know the notes. Otherwise its very difficult for me

[@cubanm81]

EL MAS GRANDE DE TODOS. MI VIEJO.

[@patrizialauraf]

with all my soul

[@gerardbedecarter]

Most interesting.

[@yyjj841]

A wise man

[@AdamantSeraph]

Just an artist....but a real one

[@clydebermingham121]

His approach to classical music is kind of as a Jazz musician’s approach to Music 🙏🏽 Sentimental & emotional ... not just structural 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽🎹🎵

[@alanleoneldavid1787]

Every good classical musician approach music filled with emotions

[@jgMaximo_]

This jazzers are funny, they think they invented music...

[@giorgioarturociompi9313]

I get it. Not that it makes me "special", but every time I hear this movement of the Schubert Quintet, I steel myself saying "I will not cry". But I cannot stop the tears. Is it harmony? Is it the key?? What is this force beyond my control??? Ultimately, it is a gift, I think, but a gift that has repercussions in dealing with one's everyday life.

[@hamzabustami710]

Giorgio/Arturo Ciompi true dat

[@timotot123]

It's absolutely life... but to think of this man's condenced life yet creating music of a person who has lived a full life

[@tdkyyyy]

May the force be with you. you are blessed to have the ears, the connection with masters like Arthur, that is a gift that everyone may has, just reflected in different fields.

[@mr.toiletepaper9692]

true, Rubinstein !

[@altravolta]

Thank you for sharing

[@JerichoMile4]

Uh...Arthur Rubinstein loves music and has talent !!

[@gianlucacristofaro]

Very interesting! He was a genius!! For my musical taste, he is better than Horowitz

[@user-tp4zo5je6k]

初めの表情、最高！

[@modernmozart813]

If I were dying I would like somebody playing Chopin for me (not a waltz ) but any one.

[@peppinogar]

Il migliore interprete di Chopin!

[@grazynatylicki6933]

❤️

[@pianogus]

The only pianist that really understood (and made love to that D-flat Chopin Nocturne) was Dinu Lipatti.

[@syaleejj7147]

❤❤❤

[@viktorthegreat3594]

Seems like he knew something.

[@ez3333]

🌹🌄😇🌄🌹

[@joshuad.mendes3728]

Amazing.....

[@BobK5]

Schubert 😎👌

[@kliberalsing]

Please, what is the name of the piece/fragment at 02:40?

[@jean-yvesPrax]

His message is clear, no doubt on it : music first, virtuosity after, we all agree ; but said again and again... repeated so many times, it becomes a kind of "cliché" telling us that all player (and especially asian ones) gifted with virtuosity will never be musicaly sensitive, unable to bring emotion, affetto... Yuja Wang is the perfect conter-example of an artist which is may be the most virtuose worldwide and at the same time able to play with extreme sensibility. (Mélodie of Orféo from Glück, Concertos of Rachmaninov). On top of that, Rubinstein playing Chopin was excellent, Samson François, in my opinion, even better... but we must admit that both were NOT virtuose at all.

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

I agree 100% about Yuja, even though much of the music she plays is not among my favourite works.

[@kristine6996]

💎

[@evenstensvand6770]

What is the second piece Rubinstein is playing called?

[@cristinavalentin6218]

What piece did he play in this interview ?

[@rainbowstrangler3687]

What is the song he plays at 2 Minutes 40 seconds??

[@GiorgiIssakadze]

[@ez3333]

🌹🔥❤😇❤🔥🏦

[@copleysq]

Basically we think in harmony with what i call Cosmic Abstract Relationship --- the source of everything, including dark matter, life beyond our grappling imaginings, fractals, strings, knots and a sphere outside that dances with gravity; before big bang and after Perlmutter´s whimper---eternal relationship abstract cosmic. Everything participates in infinite abstract cosmic relationship; even how come we love roses and the beautiful moon, and Lana Turner and Clark Gable; we enjoy relationship because it is what we are. A tragic failing in logic is the ignoring of vector---what is the direction of the thought: Without relationship there could not be, e g, electrons; relationship comes first; electron comes from relationship. Abstract relationship is that without which, nothing; and with which, all. Everything is the effect of relationship expressing itself; it does so in pattern and repetition, thus producing form; form lives. This is tracked by time; time is the trail of events; form in relationship with time is life. We foolishly reify time, as much else; reification is the curse of philosophy, making things of ideas. Random does not mean chaotic; random is in relationship. The notion of beginning is absurdly reific. There is no need for there ever to have been beginning. Relationship simply IS. Evolution expresses relationship of individual with environment; evolving happens, together. All physics forces express cosmic relationship; that is what they do; they are expressions of cosmic relationship. There is nothing but Relationship-manifesting-itself.

[@robin-hr9up]

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

[@camsun7326]

Robert Chadis damn

[@sasha42196]

What??

[@bernios3446]

A bit far off. This is about playing music, no?

[@thorick590]

music is subjective, mysticism is subjective, but dark matter is not and no one today knows what dark matter is... happily that has no bearing on music.

[@juancarloslonconvidal518]

LO MISMO DIGO YO,

[@davideguiguren2770]

Someone nows of which Schubert quintet Rubinstein was talking about at the end of the video?

[@davideguiguren2770]

@Simone Santi Gubini Thank you ((:

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

Schubert wrote two (complete) quintets. This was the second, and is correctly described as a string quintet - the formation is a string quartet augmented by an extra 'cello (the two of them play mostly different parts). The other is a fairly well known and popular work, usually called "The Trout Quintet" (because it features a song Schubert had previously written called "Die Forelle", which is German for "The Trout"}. The instruments here are piano, violin, viola, 'cello and bass. Most music lovers would say that the string quintet is far more profound. A.R. says in effect that it is the most profound music ever written, and I happen to share that view and have done for 50 years now. Schubert was himself very close to the end of his life when he wrote the work.

[@raulcastilloroman2850]

la bestia...

[@raulloveday8080]

3:00

[@TheBlackFriesian]

This guy, I would say, is definitely almost an Ubermensch; if not one already.

[@liedersanger1]

Not an appropriate term to use.

[@doublenegation7870]

Nietzsche was a reactionary twirp. Rubenstein is explicitly using Hegelian vernacular.

[@treefrog2383]

oh god what if i don't have the talent ; - ; will hard work be enough?? shshdjdkl

[@florencelaw1122]

definitely.

[@mochiusagi342]

Anyone know what the first song he played in the beginning?

[@nilstoomingas5191]

if you havent found it already, it is chopin nocturne in D-flat major, op 27

[@christianc.larico9033]

How is it called the song he was playing at the start? 😭♥️

[@lllliiioor123]

its one of chopin nocturnes, not sure which one

[@xPainProduction]

op 27 no 2

[@kelvino1237]

someone has to tell me the name of the piece that comes in after 5:05

[@marcodirenzo9000]

Schubert string quintet op 163. Adagio ✌🏻

[@Jason-pt6mp]

@@marcodirenzo9000 Woah woah use D numbers - it's D956

[@CatLover69420]

Ah yes, the most important things for musicians: music, talent, composing, soul, Schubert Quintet

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

The quintet - the whole work, not just the slow movement - has been my favourite musical composition for about 50 years now. I too would love my exit from this world to be accompanied by this music. Schubert wrote the work at the very end of his own life.

[@PooyaRadbon]

What is the piece he plays 2:40 ??

[@user-xb8tk9en2h]

What is the first piece he played?

[@user-ig6ft1wc7p]

​@@user-xb8tk9en2hthe first piece is a Chopin nocturne in d flat. major

[@user-ig6ft1wc7p]

a transcriptions of Beethoven String quartet op59 no 1

[@CaseyRocky]

Location of the interview?

[@enrriquebarraza1192]

can someone tell me, what is the melody of beginning of the video

[@blakeray9856]

Chopin, Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 27 No. 2

[@sergiorosalea125]

can some one give me the name of the pieces he plays

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

Schubert Quintet in ? C major( en do majeur. THE masterpiece.

[@toanle4891]

what is the name of the Schubert's piece?

[@brianandrewleahy1]

Schubert: String Quintet op. 163, adagio

[@armageddon543]

what is he playing in the beginning?

[@ZKLofiTone]

Nocturne in d-flat major I guess

[@joaquinmartagonaguirre3354]

2:00 song?

[@Maralegar2009]

Beethoven String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59 No. 1, "Razumovsky": III. Adagio molto e mesto

[@joaquinmartagonaguirre3354]

0:20 song?

[@Luxocs]

Chopin Nocturne in D-flat major op 27. No 2

[@modernmozart813]

I totally agree with you !!I love you 🥰🥰🥰🥰I’m wondering which bring you more satisfaction making love or playing piano 😂😂😂😂😂For me more or less the same 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nicolasaubert4248]

what is the song to 2:40 ?

[@ondine9997]

I believe it is a transcription from orchestra to piano by Rubinstein - The original piece is by Beethoven, however that is all I know

[@pdr770]

מוסיקה זה תורה לא נעימות רק. רק אם זה מתאים בטח לא וולס מהתורה אחרת זה בריטני ספירס. אני שופן המלחין שהלחין את העונות ארתור. זה רגש תורני מהנשמה היהודית לא מהלב, זה חשוב. מהנשמה.

[@HighSchoolGuitar]

BS on the talent thing. He got there the same way everyone does, but does not recognize it. That is fine, but do not mistake a master performer for a master teacher. A master teacher not only understands how to teach others to perform in their domain, but also the process it takes to get there.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

Spot-on.. Glad someone called him out on this long discredited line of thinking. I loved hearing him play Beethoven op.59 no.1.

[@petermerelis]

it's a shame that contemporary culture's obsession with equality has blinded many to obvious truths-- the unequal distribution of talent among them. Rubenstein is right.

[@yoketsume5729]

@@petermerelis That doesn't mean having less talent than one other won't make you reach that spot, like Rubinstein was basically saying. You'll just have to work a little harder. This talent BS speech is extremely dangerous, keeping people away from trying to make more than a hobby out of their passions, if they want to. If nowadays generations are obsessed with equality (trying to even put it as a bad thing is laughable on its own) older generations probably didn't even care about it. And since we're talking about Rubinstein, I don't think Chopin wrote what he wrote because someone told him he was talented, but because he put all of his life and efforts inside what he believed in.