"Rubinstein's technique was monumental and all-embracing, but the distinctive and main feature of his playing,which gave the impression of something spontaneous, was not so much the brilliance and integrity as the inwardness of conveying - ingenious and independent poetic interpretation of creative works of all the epochs and peoples"

Hugo Riemann (1849–1919)

Anton Rubinstein was one of the central figures in Russian musical life in the second half of the 19^th century, a personality of the monumental scope. His powerful talent was manifested in many areas related to music. A distinguished pianist, he concerted in Russia, Europe and America; bequeathed hundreds of compositions. As the head of the Russian Musical Society (RMS), which he established, Rubinstein conducted the first symphonic concerts of the society, was engaged in educational and charitable activities, taught students and lectured. The first Russian conservatory was founded in St. Petersburg on his initiative. 

Despite world-wide fame, Rubinstein regarded musical enlightenment to be his most important business duty. He stood at the dawn of professional music education in Russia. Two great achievements, two most important institutions propelled forward musical education: the Russian Musical Society (RMS), established under the patronage of the Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna in 1859, and the first Russian Conservatory, founded three years later and based on music classes within the framework of RMS. At the Conservatory, Rubinstein taught piano, ensemble and instrumentation, orchestral and choral classes ¹⁾. Rubinstein himself was the first to pass exams in several subjects and received the official Conservatory diploma of "free artist" before heading the conservatory, of which he became director twice: from 1862 to 1867 and from 1887 to 1891.

Anton Rubinstein bequeathed a huge number of works, including 14 secular and four religious operas, six symphonies, several overtures and symphonic poems, five piano concerts, plenty of chamber instrumental music, songs and romances.

The section ‘Russian Sculpture’ of the museum Collection repository features a sculptural chest-high portrait of the composer Anton Rubinstein. Bach Robert, Woerffel bronze and lapidary art factory. Russian Empire, St. Petersburg. Model: 1886 (1888?). Casting: late 1880s – early 1890s

Musical selection comprised of compositions by Anton Rubinstein – a brilliant pianist, major organiser of musical life and a composer who worked in various genres and created a number of outstanding musical works, we have prepared a musical selection, which is made up of his works and recorded from musical media stored in the museum Phonotheque.

¹⁾ Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was one of the first graduates of the Petersburg Conservatory.