Arthur Rubinstein: The Love of Life – L’Amour de la vie (1969).

Directed by Gérard Patris, François Reichenbach

Synopsis

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Documentary about Polish-American pianist, Arthur Rubinstein.

L’amour de la Vie (The Love of Life,1969). Artur Rubinstein documentary film.

The following pieces (brief excerpts only) are played in this, in no particular order.
Chopin: Polonaise in A flat major, op 53 (Heroic) – more than once!
J. Brahms: Piano Concerto no. 1 in D minor, op. 15
Beethoven: Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor, op. 37
Beethoven: Piano Concerto no. 5 in E flat major, op. 73
Artur Rubinstein: transcription of Beethovens string quartet op. 59 no. 1,slow movement.
Artur Rubinstein: transcription of the beginning of the Adagio (second movement) of Schubert’s String Quintet in C, D 956
F. Chopin: Nocturne op. 27 no. 2
F. Chopin: Etude no. 23 in A minor, op. 25 no. 11
H. Villa-Lobos: Polichinelle
R. Schumann: Des Abends from the Fantasiestücke, op. 12
S. Prokofiev: March from “Love of Three Oranges” ballet
Beethoven: Sonata no 23 in F minor, op 57 (Appassionata)
F. Liszt: Nocturne op 62 no 3
F. Mendelssohn: Spinning song op 67 no 4
M. de Falla: Ritual Fire Dance
Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16 – finale

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Who was Arthur Rubinstein?

Arthur Rubinstein (1887–1982) was one of the greatest and most celebrated pianists of the 20th century, renowned for his passionate interpretations, luminous tone, and charismatic stage presence. Here’s a breakdown of his significance:

1. Nationality & Heritage: Born in Łódź, Poland (then part of the Russian Empire) into a Jewish family.
2. Long Career: He enjoyed an exceptionally long and prolific career, performing publicly for over 80 years (his first concert was at age 7, and he performed well into his 80s and recorded into his 90s).

1. Musical Mastery:
   • Champion of Chopin: He was universally acclaimed as the foremost interpreter of Frédéric Chopin in his era. His recordings of Chopin’s works, especially the Mazurkas, Polonaises, and Nocturnes, remain legendary for their rhythmic freedom, poetic lyricism, and deep understanding of the Polish spirit within the music.
   • Broad Repertoire: While famous for Chopin, his repertoire was vast, encompassing composers like Brahms, Beethoven, Schumann, Liszt, Mozart, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Ravel, Albeniz, Granados, Villa-Lobos, and Szymanowski.
   • “Rubinstein Sound”: He was known for his warm, golden, and naturally singing tone, produced with seemingly effortless technique. He prioritized musical expression over mere virtuosity (though he possessed formidable technique).
2. Life & Character:
   • Vibrant Personality: He was known for his immense love of life, culture (art, food, wine, cigars, people), and joie de vivre, which often translated into his exuberant playing.
   • World Citizen: He lived and performed across Europe and the Americas. Fleeing the Nazi threat in Europe due to his Jewish heritage, he became a US citizen in 1946 and settled there.
   • Avoided Retirement: Famously said, “I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.” He continued performing publicly until his eyesight failed him late in life.
3. Legacy & Impact:
   • Recordings: He left an enormous discography, spanning decades. Many of his recordings, particularly for RCA Victor in his later years, are considered definitive reference points and continue to be best-sellers.
   • Awards: Received numerous honors, including multiple Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the French Légion d’honneur.
   • Influence: Inspired generations of pianists and music lovers with his passionate and life-affirming approach to music. He was a cultural icon.
   • Autobiography: His engaging autobiography, “My Young Years” and “My Many Years,” provides fascinating insights into his life, career, and the musical world of the 20th century.
   • Rubinstein International Piano Competition: A prestigious piano competition established in his honor in Israel.

In short: Arthur Rubinstein was a Polish-American piano virtuoso whose passionate, lyrical, and deeply musical interpretations, particularly of Chopin, combined with his charismatic personality and extraordinarily long career, cemented his place as one of the most beloved and influential pianists in history.