AMERICAN MASTERS: A 100TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN: RUBINSTEIN REMEMBERED (TV)

Summary

One in this documentary series that explores the lives and achievements of America's most celebrated artists and performers. This tribute to the pianist Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982) profiles his life and career. Hosted by his son, actor and composer John Rubinstein, the program depicts the return of the Rubinstein family to the pianist's birthplace in Lodz, Poland, and documents John's appearance as conductor for the Lodz Philharmonic Orchestra in a memorial concert on the day that would have been his father's 100th birthday. In addition to conducting excerpts from works by George Gershwin and Maurice Ravel, John Rubinstein explores the history of his father's life, reveals insight into his relationship with his father, and relates family stories about his father and mother. In one segment Arthur Rubinstein's wife, Anelia, walks through Ludz with their daughter as she shares anecdotes about their first meeting, their courtship, and their marriage; another segment depicts a visit of John and his sister, Eva, to the Polish cemetery in which their grandparents are buried. Major topics include Arthur Rubinstein's childhood, his musical studies, and his career development; a suicide attempt that turned his life around; his marriage and the positive effect his family had on his career; his world travels and changes of address; and the importance of his Polish heritage to the man and his work. Other people appearing in the program who share their memories of the pianist include conductor Daniel Barenboim and RCA recording director Max Wilcox. The program includes excerpts from black- and-white footage of Rubinstein performing Scherzo in C Sharp Minor, Polonaise in A Flat, Chopin's Mazurka in C Sharp, Felix Mendelssohn's "Spinning Song," and excerpts of works by Robert Schumann, Manuel de Falla, and Francis Poulenc; the program also features an interview with Rubinstein and his wife on "Person to Person" with Edward R. Murrow, and excerpts from Rubinstein's memoirs, "My Young Years" and "My Many Years." Clips include Anelia Rubinstein's home movies, footage of rehearsals, and footage of the Lodz memorial concert, featuring a piano solo by Janusz Olejniczak and an excerpt of John Rubinstein's own composition, "Suite for Amber Waves."

Details

• NETWORK: PBS WNET New York, NY
• DATE: July 20, 1987 Monday 9:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 0:58:02
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: T:18461
• GENRE: Arts documentaries; Music
• SUBJECT HEADING: Music - Analysis, appreciation; Conductors (music)
• SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1986-
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Susan Lacy … Executive Producer, For "American Masters"
• Jac Venza … Executive Director, For "American Masters"
• Harlene Freezer … Coordinating Producer, For "American Masters"
• Jonathan Tunick … Theme Music by, For "American Masters"
• Robert A. Briner … Executive Producer
• Herbert Kloiber … Executive Producer
• Peter Rosen … Producer, Director¥
• Cynthia Bilder … Associate Producer
• Francois Reichenbach … Director , For Artur Rubinstein Sequences
• John Rubinstein … Conductor
• Henryk Czyz … Conductor, The Lodz Philharmonic
• Witold Rowicki … Conductor, The Warsaw Philharmonic
• Stanislaw Skrowaczewski … Conductor, The New Symphony Orchestra of London
• Lodz Philharmonic (Poland) … Symphony Orchestra
• Warsaw Philharmonic (Poland) … Symphony Orchestra
• New Symphony Orchestra of London … Symphony Orchestra
• Janusz Olejniczak … Instrumentalist , Pianist, With the Lodz Philharmonic
• Kazimierz Mikolajezak … Music (Misc. Credits), Music Director , With the Lodz Philharmonic
• John Rubinstein … Host
• Frederic Chopin … Composer
• Manuel de Falla … Composer
• George Gershwin … Composer
• Francis Poulenc … Composer
• Maurice Ravel … Composer
• Robert Schumann … Composer
• Daniel Barenboim
• Edward R. Murrow
• Aniela Rubinstein
• Rubinstein, Arthur (See also: Rubinstein, Artur)
• Eva Rubinstein
• Max Wilcox