Search - Camille Saint-Saens, Manuel de Falla, Cesar Franck :: Rubinstein Collection, Vol. 70

Rubinstein in Top Form

Hank Drake | Cleveland, OH United States | 08/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur Rubinstein loved these pieces and knew them well.



For his American debut in 1906, Rubinstein, who was sponsored by the Knabe piano company, performed the Saint Saens Concerto and earned rave reviews. Of the three official recordings available, this was the finest in terms of both pianist and orchestral contributions. The 82 year young pianist still has most of the brio of earlier days, along with the structural sense which came to him in his later years. But there is a bit more dash and sparkle in his earlier account from the late 1950s.



The Falla "Nights in the Gradens of Spain" was recorded at the same sessions as the Saint Saens and has the same attributes. Ormandy's collaboration with the Philadelpiha Orchestra is first rate. Unlike many "superstar" conductors, Ormandy was always a sought after and sympathetic accompanist -- matching Rubinstein phrase-for-phrase and achieveing a unified conception. The sound during this portion of the album is first rate. Balance problems originating with the original LP issue in 1969 have been corrected, and the orchestra mix gives an excellent recreation of the famed Philadelphia Sound.



Rubinstein learned the Frank Symphonic Variations while traveling by train to a concert in Spain, drumming passages in his lap. The man had an amazing memory. Here again, he is in top form, with Wallenstein and the pickup orchestra providing a fine accompaniment (but not quite on the level of Ormandy's). This was recorded in the 1950s and the sound is a bit shallow.



The Prokofiev March and Rubinsteins's own arrangement of Falla's Ritual Fire Dance were favorite encores, both for himself and his audiences. The Falla is slightly less fiery than in earlier recordings and live performances, but is still thrilling. The sound here reflects Rubinstein's tonal aesthetic--always velvety and never harsh even during fortes.



Highest recommendation."