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Track List

1 Piano Concerto Op. 54: I. Allegro 14:51
    by Robert Schumann
2 Piano Concerto Op. 54: II. Intermezzo 04:57
    by Robert Schumann
3 Piano Concerto Op. 54: III. Allegro 10:30
    by Robert Schumann
4 Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58: I. Allegro 16:51
    by Ludwig van Beethoven
5 Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58: II. Andante Con Moto 04:43
    by Ludwig van Beethoven
6 Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58: III. Rondo (Vivace) 08:54
    by Ludwig van Beethoven

Total Time: 60:46

About Rubinstein plays Schumann Beethoven Piano Concertos

By 1947, Arthur Rubinstein had already been a professional pianist for several decades, but the years surrounding the Second World War marked an important period in his career. Born in Lodz in 1887, Rubinstein had established himself internationally before the war, with long-standing connections to both Europe and the United States. After leaving Europe at the outbreak of the war, he settled with his family in California and became a United States citizen in 1946.

During the war years Rubinstein continued to perform extensively in the United States. In 1945, he appeared at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco before international delegations gathered in the city in connection with the formation of the United Nations. His program included the Polish national anthem, an expression of his response to the absence of a Polish flag among the participating nations.

The end of the war brought a return to Europe. In 1947, Rubinstein undertook an extensive European tour, his first return to Europe since the war. Contemporary biographical accounts describe more than 35 concerts during the tour, including four concerts in Paris. The proceeds from the Paris performances were donated to war victims. Rubinstein's postwar European career therefore began alongside the reconstruction of his personal and professional life after years spent in the United States.

The two recordings presented here date from this period. Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, was recorded on 9–10 May 1947 at the Republic Studios in Hollywood, with the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra conducted by William Steinberg. RCA Victor announced the recording in January 1948 as part of its Musical Masterpiece Album* series, catalogue M/DM-1176.

Later that same year, on 30 September 1947, Rubinstein recorded Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58, at Abbey Road Studio No. 1 in London, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham. The recording was issued on HMV 78 rpm records, DB 6732–6735.

The Beethoven recording was made during Rubinstein's return to Europe in 1947, while the Schumann was recorded in Hollywood earlier that year. Together they reflect two of the principal environments in which Rubinstein was working at the time: the American recording studios where his wartime career had continued, and the London recording scene that he re-entered as his European concert activities resumed.

Rubinstein continued to maintain an active international career after 1947. His postwar years were marked by frequent concert appearances and recording activity, while he continued to divide his life between the United States and Europe.

These recordings preserve Rubinstein at a moment when his career was again expanding across the Atlantic, with Schumann recorded in Hollywood in May 1947 and Beethoven in London later that September.

EU Public Domain Notice
The historical sound recordings included in this release are in the public domain in the European Union. Blue Music Group has created a new digital restoration and mastering of these historical recordings. The digital restoration and mastering by Blue Music Group are protected by applicable copyright and related rights. Rights may differ in other territories, including the United States. This release is not intended for distribution in the United States.

Cover artwork: The original photographic image has been legally assessed as being in the public domain in the EU following the expiry of the applicable 50-year term under Section 49a. The image has been restored, enhanced and colorized by Blue Music Group. © Blue Music Group. All rights reserved.

Credits

Arthur Rubinstein – piano

Schumann Piano Concerto:
RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra
William Steinberg – conductor
Recorded 9-10 May 1947 at the Republic Studios in Hollywood, CA

Beethoven Piano Concerto:
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham – conductor
Recorded 30 September 1947 at Abbey Road Studio No. 1