Rubinstein: Preludes & Études

Featuring

Martin Cousin
Anton Rubinstein

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Composer Biography

Anton Rubinstein, a Russian composer and pianist, began his musical education with his mother and later studied with Alexander Villoing, embarking on a concert tour across Europe at age eleven.

Composition History

Rubinstein's Six Preludes, Op. 24, composed in 1854, are dedicated to Clara Schumann, a pianist who was ten years his senior and had been a rival as an infant prodigy.

Critical Reception

Rubinstein's immediate legacy was controversial, with the younger generation of Russian nationalist composers, led by Balakirev, dismissing his music as superficial and referring to him as 'Tupenstein' ('Block-head').

Performer Biography

Martin Cousin, the pianist on this album, won First Prize at the 2005 Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competition and the Gold Medal at the 2003 Royal Over-Seas League Annual Music Competition.

Historical Context

Despite converting to Christianity, Anton Rubinstein faced prejudice due to his Jewish origins, a factor that led to his resignation from the St Petersburg Conservatory and the Russian Music Society.

Performer Biography

Martin Cousin's hands were featured in the Oscar-winning film Shine, and he is also a member of the Aquinas Piano Trio.

Cultural Impact

Anton Rubinstein made invaluable contributions to Russian music by establishing professional public concerts and a system of professional musical education, which continue to bear fruit today.