03 September 2018
Arthur Rubinstein’s Music Gallery
Arthur Rubinstein (1887-1982) was a brilliant pianist, a remarkable interpreter of the works of Frédéric Chopin, a great music personality and, at the same time, a citizen of the world with an interesting personality. He was born in Łódź, in a numerous Jewish family. It was here where he took his first piano lessons. At the age of 10, he travelled to Berlin to continue his education. Arthur Rubinstein confirmed his artistic vocation concertizing incessantly from his salad days to the end of his days. He recorded over 200 records, he cooperated with the best orchestras and the most outstanding conductors all over the world. He gave over 6 thousand concerts and recitals in the biggest concert halls. He obtained 9 titles of doctor honoris causa, he was awarded the highest orders, state distinctions, medals, diplomas and awards as well as the membership of the French Academy of Fine Arts. In 1969, he became the laureate of a special Motion Picture Academy Award for the main role in the biographical film ‘L’Amour de la vie’ (‘The Love of Life’). Although his permanent place of residence was Paris and later United States, he always gladly came back to Poland and took active part in the reconstruction of the cultural life of his independent motherland. He also had a lot of friends here, among others: Grzegorz Fitelberg, Karol Szymanowski, Paweł Kochański and Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy). He was keenly interested in contemporary music, e.g. he played Karol Szymanowski’s compositions. The artist gained the affection and appreciation of the public not only with his wonderful music but also with his directness, authenticity, wit, cheerfulness, love of the world and of people. He described his life in his memoirs, ‘My Young Years’ and ‘My Many Years’.
Arthur Rubinstein’s Music Gallery is currently the biggest collection dedicated to this pianist in the world. The exhibition, opened in 1990, is situated in two neighbouring rooms.
