Album insights
Anton Grigorjewitsch Rubinstein, born in Wychwatinez in Podolia (in present-day Ukraine), is widely regarded as a pioneer of Russian music and music education in Russia. His methods are still followed in post-Soviet Russia today, thanks to his contributions alongside brother Nikolai in establishing a rigorous musical education system. Despite a Jewish background, forced conversion to Christianity, and religious dichotomies apparent in Anton Rubinsteins' works, he achieved international acclaim as a conductor and pianist alongside Liszt.
Rubinstein's compositions, marked by speed and productivity, have left a lasting impact on Russian musicians over the generations, infusing Western musical forms with mastery and melodic ease. Despite being considered a conservative composer, Rubinstein's works incorporate unique gestures influential to artists like Tchaikovsky and Brahms. His music saw resurgence thanks to the recording industry after nearly fading into obscurity post-1920 outside Russia.
The compositions of Rubinstein pose dating challenges, with few documented details available, making publication dates the primary reference point. The Quartet in F major, Op. 55bis, dedicated to music critic Berthold Damcke, saw release in 1860 post a period of shelf-time. The quartet underwent reductions, resembling adaptations made by Beethoven with his Quintet, Op. 16.
Displaying a playful and intricate motif, the F major Scherzo progresses with ticking clock-like patterns that hint at future composers like Tchaikovsky and Glasunov. The Trio in A minor, seamlessly connected through ticking transitions, features a rich cello theme avoiding compositional artifice.
The Quartet's slow movement, a miniature music drama in A minor, unfolds with a melancholic depth and drama echoing Mendelssohn whilst embracing individual gestures and harmonic nuances unique to Rubinstein. The finale, although dramatic, carries a bucolic air, exchanging spirited gestures between piano and strings.
The Finale exudes drama yet evokes a bucolic ambiance, with dynamic exchanges between piano and strings, featuring themes reminiscent of Beethoven's Piano Sonata Op. 2 No. 3 conclusion and Brahms' style. The development section is brief, leading to a triumphant C major reprise, concluding this brilliant piece composed by Anton Rubinstein.