My Many Years

Arthur Rubinstein was a Polish American classical pianist who played in public for eight decades. He received international acclaim for his performances of music written by a variety of composers, and many regard him as the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time. He was described by the New York Times as one of the most gifted pianist of the twentieth century. My Many Years is the follow-up to Rubinstein's first book of personal recollections, My Young Years. Written in his 90s, this tell-all spans an entire 60 years of his life, from 1917 to 1967, and contains 24 pages of photographs as well as preface and epilogue from the author. At the end of World War I, Rubinstein makes a name for himself throughout Latin America on a successful whirlwind tour, then returns to life in Europe as it was before the war, hobnobbing at parties with famous friends like Picasso and Cocteau. The musician finally settles down, marrying the daughter of the great Polish conductor Emil Mlynarski, and starts a family. This change in his life ignites a return to the rigors of study, and twelve- to sixteen-hour days of practicing at the piano. Practice having made perfect, Rubinstein takes us on his adventures through Asia, where he gives concerts in Japan, China, Singapore, the Dutch East Indies, and Philippines, and to America, from New York to Hollywood. We also get a look at his (initially reluctant) foray into recording music with RCA. But as Nazi Germany rises and World War II rages, Rubinstein fears for the rest of his family in Poland. He goes on to meet with such renowned political figures as Winston Churchill and Golda Meir, and, as always, rubs shoulders with the biggest names in music, art, and culture all over the world. Through it all, the great maestro recalls these many years with the same charm, exuberance, and candor in which he recounted his young years, his love of life shining through on every page.
ASIN: 1950369161
VSKU: DBV.1950369161.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Rubinstein, Arthur
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: Gently used with minimal wear on the corners and cover. A few pages may contain light highlighting or writing, but the text remains fully legible. Dust jacket may be missing, and supplemental materials like CDs or codes may not be included. May be ex-library with library markings. Ships promptly!