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The original documents are located in Box 6, folder "4/01/76 - Medal of Freedom
Presentation for Arthur Rubinstein" of the Betty Ford White House Papers, 1973-1977 at
the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Betty Ford donated to the United States
of America her copyrights in all of her unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Date ssued3/29/76
By P. Howard
Revised 3/30/76
FACT SHEET
Mrs. Ford's Office
Event MEDAL OF FREEDOM CEREMONY
Group For: Arthur Rubinstein
APRIL 1, 1976
DATE/TIME Reception at 12:00 Noon - Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. - Private Luncheon at 1:25
pm
Contact Pat Howard
Phone
Number of guests: Total approx. 200 Women
X
Men X
Children
Place State Floor
Principals involved President and Mrs. Ford
Participation by Principal
yes
(Receiving line) yes
Remarks required
yes
GERALD R. FORD LIBERARIN
Background
--
REQUIREMENTS
Social:
Guest list yes (Social Entertainments' Office will distribute - X 2510)
Invitations yes
Programs no
Menus no
Refreshments coffee and fruit pastries and luncheon format
Entertainment no
Decorations/flowers
yes
Music yes
Social Aides
yes
Dress Business Suits - Short Dresses for the Ladies
Coat checkyes (DRR)
Other
--
Press:
Reporters . yes
Photographers yes
TV Crews yes
White House Photographers YES
Color YES Mono.
Other
Technical
Support:
Microphones
yes
PA Other Rooms
no
Recording
yes
Lights no
Transportation cars enter thru SW Gate
Parking South Grounds
Housing
--
Other
--
(Risers,stage,platforms)
yes
Project Co-ordinator
Pat Howard
Phone 2927
Site diagrams should be attached if technical support is heavy.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 25, 1976
FORD i GERALD LIBRARY
TO:
MRS. FORD
FROM:
MARIA DOWNS
Enclosed are Henry's proposed menus for the small
luncheon honoring Arthur Rubinstein to be held after
the presentation ceremony awarding him the Medal
of Freedom.
Henry's thinking was because of Mr. Rubinstein's
age it might be wise to serve the crab cakes or
something similar. I know the cakes would be delicious
but somehow this strikes me as a very special occasion
that calls for something more elegant. The lamb chops
may pose a problem to Mr. Rubinstein so I have
included a third menu which might handle both situations.
Please let me know what you would like.
Friday
April 2, 1976
11-15 guests
12:30 PM
LUNCHEON
Menu # 1
Beef Consomme
Cheese Straws
Crab Cakes w/ Mustard Sauce
Steamed Rice
Leaf Spinach
Macedoine of Frest Fruit
Petits fours
Menu # 2
Lobster Bisque
Cheese Straws
Broiled Lamb Chops
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
Fresh Asparagus
Tossed Green Salad
Strawberry Mousse
Medal of Freedom Luncheon
Friday, April 2, 1976
12:30 PM
LUNCHEON
Avocado Soup
Roast Loin of Veal
Broiled Tomatoes with Mushrooms
String Beans
Leaf Spinach Salad
Lemon Mousse with Strawberries
FORD & GERALD BRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 29, 1976
FOR:
MRS. FORD
BERALD R. FORD
FROM:
MARIA DOWNS
LIBRARY
The background on the Rubinstein children is quite interesting. Miss Alina
Rubinstein is 26 and a medical student at Columbia. "Miss" Eva Rubinstein
is 38 or 39 and a professional photographer. Eva was married to the William
Coffin, Jr. of Yale. They have been divorced about 10 years and she has
taken her maiden name. John Rubinstein is about 30 and had the lead in "Pippin."
Perhaps it might be interesting to Susan or Jack to join the luncheon if they
are available.
I have also had a request to add Mr. and Mrs. Buchen to the luncheon because
Mrs. Buchen was instrumental in this presentation. It is my belief there were
others who were also instrumental such as Barbara MacGregor. When we
open the door, where do we stop? The luncheon list as it stands are all requests
of Mrs. Rubinstein.
Please let me know whether Susan or Jack can attend and what your feeling is
of expanding the luncheon.
Thank you.
This ageless hero,
FORD
Rubinstein
LIBRARY
GERALD
He cannot go on like this forever (though some
would not bet on that). In fact, there are now some troubling signs.
though eventually quite sobering hours with him
and was ready to receive me, all apologies. He
By Donal Henahan
in his suite at the Drake Hotel. The first minutes,
had the flu, he said, and his wife had been
as usual, were taken up in making sure the
calling him to tell him to cancel his tour. "But
visitor had the most comfortable, the softest seat
when I am at the piano, my sickness goes away
One day. in what we may only hope is the
in the room. Rubinstein insisted on a plain, hard
and that makes me terribly happy. I won't cancel."
distant future, an archeologist sifting through the
chair for, himself. "All my life I have been sitting
Despite all, he managed to be vivacious and
detritus of Western civilization may come upon
up straight, you know. Which reminds me of
full of stories I had not heard before. Since
certain puzzling artifacts. A' pair of tennis sneakers,
a story, a very funny story.
(And
off
he
then, I often have thought of Rubinstein in that
perhaps, with 4-inch platform soles. A goose-quill
goes. If you have questions to ask Rubinstein,
Buffaio hotel room, trying to sleep off the flu,
pen with a felt tip. A petrified senator holding
you had better get them in early or it's no
and at the mercy of whoever might pick up
a Pentagon budget request. Or, if Western civiliza-
use.) "Not long ago in Boston, they gave me
the house phone. And I try to imagine how
tion is lucky, some piano recordings made by
what is called the Agnon Award. You know who
gracious I would have been under similar circum-
Arthur Rubinstein when he was on the brink
Agnon was? S. Y. Agnon, the old Hebrew poet
stances. Not very, I'm afraid.
of 90 and still playing with astonishing vigor,
who died a few years ago. He won a Nobel
Grace under pressure is a gift not given to
virtuosity and panache. Like Heinrich Schliemann
Prize and they named this award for him. Well,
most people, and for a long time now Rubinstein
pondering the myths and legends of Homeric
as it happened, I had been giving a concert
has been graceful under the ultimate, inescapable
Troy, the excavator will have a mystery on his
in Jerusalem some years ago and a friend of
pressure of being old. How did he get that way?
hands
Did
benighted
to
see
me
said
And more puzzling bow does he stay that way?
times?
him,
you
said,
To answer those questions with confidence,
We know the answer, of course. Rubinstein
don't know, this is the first time in my life
one would have to know exactly how to solve
made his New York debut 70 years ago at Carnegie
that I go to a concert. But I like how you sit
the old equation in which nature and nurture
Hall, performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra
80 straight at the piano'."
are both unknown factors. As far as he knows,
on Jan. 8, 1906. But actually he has been playing
You are never far from a good laugh when
Rubinstein does not come from particularly long.
in public for 85 years. Although he did not make
you are around Rubinstein, but his is not a
lived ancestors, although the pogroms and wars
his formal debut until he was 7 years old, he
mindless good humor. An Academy Award-winning
that swept over Poland in the last century or
was performing for small audiences of family
documentary film about his career, made in 1968
so seem to have made that question academic.
friends in his native city of Lodz, Poland, by
but released here only last year, was titled "Love of
His six brothers and sisters, for instance, disap-
the age of 4 and at 6 was appearing at charity
Life," and It is true, he says, that "I love life un-
peared along with six million other Jews during
concerts. He had taken to the piano unbidden
conditionally." He shrugs impatiently. "But it is
World War II. Physically and mentally, he has
and uncoerced, at 3, when his parents brought an
not that I walk around stupidly smiling [pantomime
been a living refutation of the old wives' tale
old upright into their home so that two older
of a slack-jawed, grinning lout]."
about the weakness of children born to older
sisters could take lessons.
fathers: He was the seventh child, born when
Thomas Mann, hardly one to be impressed by
Tomorrow night, he has another recital scheduled
his father was past 40, a ripe age in the Poland
a stupid smile, called Rubinstein "that civilized
at Carnegie Hall. Nothing special. Just one of
of that day. Rubinstein's physique has often been
man," and a story of my own may illustrate
20 appearances on his United States itinerary
mentioned as a reason for his continuing puissance.
his deep-grained civility. The city was Buffalo, where
this season. And yet, each time Rubinstein steps
He is not tall (5 feet 8 inches) or heavy (about
on a bitter midwinter's night four years ago I
165), but he has a powerful chest, blacksmith
out on a stage nowadays, it is something to
went to talk with Rubinstein on the occasion
note, for the man's spirit and prowess at 89 make
biceps and disproportionately long legs.
of his 85th birthday, the trip being necessary
him a musical, not merely a gerontological,
because his concert schedule at that time was
Until now, at least, be has suffered from almost
phenomenon. By his latest reckoning, he was born
none of the usual human infirmities. He has
to bring him no nearer to Manhattan. I arrived
on Jan. 28. 1887. He cannot go on like this forever.
at his hotel in the evening at what I believed
no arthritis or rheumatic aches, and subscribes
probably, although there are people who know
was the agreed-upon hour, called his room and
to no fanatical health-food regimen. He arises
him well who would not care to bet on that.
found to my horror that Rubinstein had not been
at 8 or thereabouts, hungry for breakfast, but
Max Wilcox, for one. Wilcox, who has produced
told of our date. A' communications breakdown
first does about 20 minutes of setting-up exercises.
more than 60 Rubinstein records for RCA and
somewhere in his entourage, I later learned.
However, he gets his most stremuous exercise
five concerto performances for television, has sev-
Moreover, the voice on the phone instantly
by playing the piano-which is perhaps exercise
eral sessions planned for next month when the
suggested itself as that of a man who had been
enough if you play as flamboyantly as Arthur
tireless Arthur is scheduled to record two more
aroused from sleep. He grasped finally that I
Rubinstein. According to his wife and other inti-
Mozart concertos. More fuel for the Arthurise
was from a newspaper, but apparently thought
mates of long standing, be takes no pills of
legend.
it was a local one, and my attempts to explain
any kind other than vitamin C. For many years,
did not penetrate. But he said, "Please, can you
he has enjoyed the best wines and the most
The other day, while Rubinstein was stopping
off in New York during a midwinter break in
give me 15 minutes before coming up?"
expensive cigars (two or three a day, only with
coffee) and, in his sybaritic approach to daily
his concert schedule, I spent several exhilarating
When I arrived at his room, unexpected and,
existence, has long been the Winston Churchill
I am quite sure, unwanted, Rubinstein had gotten
of the plano, His adherence to the Pleasure Principle
into a dark blue suit, with the rosette of a
is no doubt rooted somehow in his genes and
Donal Henahan is a music critic for The Times.
Commander of the Legion of Honor in a lapel,
nurtured by a lifetime of adulation. But he also
18
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bservations
The lion's share. Who reaps the most
cash when gasoline pump prices
rise? Actually, federal, state and
local governments. They collect six
times more in taxes per gallon than
oil companies make. For the record,
most oil companies average about 2# profit per gallon of gasoline. Fed-
eral and state taxes average 12# per gallon. It may be that the gasoline
pump has become America's most efficient tax collector.
With his wife: Arthur and Aniela Rubinstein, at a party in New York in 1971
on the occasion of his 84th birthday. They were married in 1932.
Back to basics? Yeah, well, like, uh, there was this big test, see, that, uh,
these kids took to test their, you know, their writing abilities and what do
you think was revealed? Youngsters now write as they talk, in mass media
feels there is a pragmatic philosophical
himself born again, looking at the
styles of TV, newspapers and advertising. Sampling thousands of student
basis for his cheery temperament and
world with an ecstasy that, 68 years
open nature, and his ability to sustain
later, he manages to sustain. This
"essays," the National Assessment of Educational Progress discovered
a youthful outlook into what is, chron-
is not a man glumly marking time,
increased Incoherence, conceptual fuzziness and fragmented phrasing-
ologically, very old age.
waiting to be released from life. Three
especially among seventeen-year-olds.
In fact, the civility and wholehearted
years ago, he published his first book,
Now the good news. Oil people have been quick to point out that
humanism that his audiences sense
the charming memoir entitled "My
many Americans-college grads among them-don't know enough about
and find so appealing is completely
Young Years. His newly recorded
basic economics and are fuzzy on the role of profits, the need to raise
unsentimental in origin and grew out
complete set of Beethoven concertos
capital, and the incentives of a free market. Happily, that's changing, with
of Rubinstein's clear-eyed analysis,
is'ont this month.
universities reporting a sharp upturn in enrollment in economics courses.
early on, of a hard world. He is
According to Max Wilcox, who has
Some schools report that basic economics has replaced biology as the
a firm agnostic. "When I was a child,
produced all of Rubinstein's recordings
favorite field of study-apparently leaving the birds and the bees to extra-
I looked and I did not see any god.
since 1959, the Beethoven sessions
curricular activities.
I doubt if Moses saw him, really.
"went terribly well." Done last year
All those little girls who saw the
in London with Daniel Barenboim con-
Virgin. All that, no, a lie." He laughs
ducting the London Philharmonic, the
and waves one of the largest hands
five concertos were recorded in seven-
ever placed at the disposal of a great
and-a-half sessions, a total of not
quite. That would be very
is, an octave plus four more keys.
quick for anybody, but for someone
"They did not convince me. Jeanne
who's nearly 90, well. Wilcox
d'Arc, a charming story. But not my
pauses to think. "Has there ever been
idea of what is. Look at those Irish
a reigning piano virtuoso at this age?
5
3
people now, who produce such fine
I don't think so." Saint-Saens, Isidor
poetry-civilized, musical people, like
Philipp, Francis Planté and others
you and me. But one side is Protestant
played in public when they were ap-
and the other is Catholic, so they
proaching or even past 90, but ap-
kill each other for it. The Arabs and
parently at nothing like Rubinstein's
the Israelis, what do they want of
level.
each other? The Arabs have Mo-
hammed, Israel has another fellow,
Another who has worked closely
so they say, sorry, but we must kill
with Rubinstein-at his side, in fact,
you for that. So, long ago, I decided
as piano tuner and sometime page
I did not see any god. We are put
turner-is Stephen Borell. Formerly
here on earth without being asked
head technician of Steinway (and later
if we want to live, just like any
of Baldwin). Borell is on his own
"BECAUSE BATTERIES GO DEAD IN POCKET CALCULATORS, THAT'S WHY."
animal but more unfortunate because
now and no longer tunes Rubinstein's
©1976 by permission of Saturday Review and Brenda Burbank.
we also have this brain." Rubinstein's
Steinways. But for years he traveled
voice has lost its rich timbre by this
with the pianist to tend his piano,
time and dropped to an enervated
and finds it easy to grow lyrical
A quote we like. "Govern a great nation as you would cook a small fish-
whisper. Then, jerking himself up
about both the artist and the man.
don't overdo it." Confucius
straight, he brightens.
"He has such a spirit, such a sense
"I felt I was. left alone in the
of humor, such a natural graciousness.
Second time around. If you missed Eugene O'Neill's A MOON FOR THE
And
that
tone.
The Rubinstein
world, forced to live." And here he
MISBEGOTTEN as a Mobil Showcase Presentation last year on TV, you
launches into one of his favorite sto-
tone, full and sonorous at any volume
might welcome seeing it this week over the Public Broadcasting Service.
ries, about the time when he tried
level, has been one of the distinctive
to hang himself. He made the attempt
features of his playing from the begin-
Praised by critics as a "magnificent" production, it stars Colleen Dew-
hurst and Jason Robards, and was co-directed for television by Jose
in Berlin at the age of 21 when
ning, and piano experts have never
his career had hit bottom. It was
given up trying to explain it. Borell
Quintero and Gordon Rigsby. Check your TV listings for broadcast time
knows all the theories-the thick
in your area.
a gray day in 1908. He was out
of money and being dunned by hotels
pads of flesh at the fingertips, the
and restaurants. He could not get
arm-weighted stroke, the pliant wrists
-but he has a close-up observation
concert engagements. He was not,
for the moment, in love. So he tried
to offer, too.
Mobil®
to hang himself in his bathroom. For-
"Sitting beside him and turning
tunately, the rope (his bathrobe belt)
pages, I was able to watch what he
broke and sent him sprawling ("If
does, and I discovered something sur-
I saw today such a scene on television,
prising. You know the way he likes
I would roar with laughter," he com-
to rise off the piano bench, lift his
Observations, Sex A, Mobil ON Corporation, 150 East 42 Street, New York, N.Y. 10017
ments in his memoirs). And he found
hands high (Continued on Page 28)
01976 Mobile a Corporation
Evelyn Holer
61
The artist at 89: Young people who hear Arthur Rubinstein this season must strain their imaginations to realize that this man was 10 years old when Brahms died.
The New York Times Magazine/March 14, 1976
I was still alive. Look
Continued from Page 20
"A man has the right to know
still can walk and talk
over the keys and bring
Jove, I tell you I had a
them down with what you'd
time. I wanted them to
what goes into the Scotch he drinks."
expect to be a terrible crash.
me in which part of the
Well, I noticed that, just be-
the soul is located but
-Sir James Buchaman
fore hitting the keys, be stops
couldn't."
for a split second and then
Last year, for the first
"At The House of Buchanan,
Glentauchers
products of the famed
pushes on into them. It's done
in 16 years, he went ba
we still believe and blend as
Glenlivet region.
so fast you can barely see it,
Poland, where he visited 1
but that's what happens."
an event that was docume
my grandfather did.
"Together they combine
Rubinstein enjoys the dramat-
in a film titled "The o
TREMS
to make Buchanan's 12 the
ic impact that he can provide
back." He had been quit
"It is a family tradition.
with such high-handed tactics,
prehensive about retu
"A matter of family pride:
Balmenach
12-year-old blended Scotch
but it is not done purely for
after 90 many years, d
the eyes, as you can prove by
which both his homeland
"Pride in the excellence
with heart of pure High-
closing your own when be is
he had changed so much
of the blend which bears my
land whiskies'.
about to strike. In fact, an al-
everything went well. "I
most imperceptible pause be-
very touching country,
grandfather's name and mine,
"For no other single-
fore pushing into the keys can
Benrinnes
know, a very proud little .
malts but Highlands are used
act to cushion the tone, and
Buchanan's 12.
try. They have somethin
if you have a piano handy you
common with the Spania
in Buchanan's 12.
might even be able to check
certain noble pride. A bit
"If you choose to sample
out Borell's theory for your-
pid, some practical P
self. "The man doesn't just
might say. They will
Cragganmore
it, you will find it as it was
sit down at a strange piano
thousand strong agains
when it began:
and start playing." Borell
army of a million Russ
goes on, "He experiments for
fighting with forks and sp
"Subtle.
a while to find out what its
and I don't know what.
potential is, what its charac-
are already proud to I
"Light.
ter is. Then be adjusts with
that, if they fall on the be
Dailuaine
"But with tempered
incredible speed. That's typi-
field, there will be bear
cal of his whole approach to
poems written in their b
mellowness in both body and
life, too." No man is a hero
They have kept that,
bouquet.
to his valet, it says in Pin-
now. They are the only
tarch, but Arthur Rubinstein
who opposed Hitler from
"In your country, it is
is a hero to his piano tuner.
to last."
Craigellachie
dearly priced.
If you turn on your televi-
Rubinstein seldom goe
sion set, you may well come
for long without talking
Sir James Buchanan (Lord Woolavington)
"And in very limited
upon this ageless hero play-
itics, especially internat
1849-1935 Founder House of Buchanan
supply
ing a concerto by Brahms,
politics in relation to 1
Chopin Beethoven in the
"where have been pl
"That is why, unlike
Glenlossie
"Because we neither can,
Great Performers" series (he
for nothing, you know, &
also has done Grieg and Saint-
last 30 years." He is out
any premium blended Scotch
nor will, mass-produce the
Saens, for future release).
by the treatment Israel
Scotch that bears my grand-
Musical America has named
been getting in the U
whisky ever sold in America,
him Musician of the Year for
Nations and has as
we take pride in naming the
father's name.
1976. Everywhere he goes
respect for that body
principal single malts which,
Glen
Elgin
"And mine."
someone presses a new award
for all the other b
or honorary degree upon him.
that misgovern the P
among other exceptional
Last year he was invited to
of the world-his peopl
James Burrann
take part in a symposium on
of them his personal fri
whiskies, go into our blend.
"The Majesty of Man" at the
"Look here, the United
"If you know fine Scotch,
Stanford University Medical
tions, if you will allow
Lochnagar
Center, to discuss the mys-
say it, is an assembly
you will recognize them all.
teries of human creativity. His
lutely of rascals. It is
"And fully appreciate why
fellow panelists were scien-
posed to be a gentle
tists, including two Nobel
club. So in this club they
the whiskies selected combine
12
Prize-winners, Linus Pauling
had a Stalin, heh, heh, I
and Joshua Lederberg. Poor
Mr. Kadar who has ki
to set Buchanan's 12 apart,
Teaninich
innocent scientific souls
don't know how many
"The selection is choice.
As anyone could have told
sands of people in Hus
them, Rubinstein does not
The Czech fellow wh
"Limited to 12 'Ideals'.
appear on panels, he performs
would like to kick. A1
"Each the product of an
MEHANAAS
on them. According to a
those others who are no
report in The Stanford
for such a club, who
old, established and well
Mortlach
Observer, the pianist waited
know what it is all about
respected distillery,
until the others had
absurdity, really."
carried on for a time about
Rubinstein, who was
"Each and every one, from
"how 1/10-volt nerve Impuls-
in Parts with his wife
es travel at 250 miles per
Balmenach through Teaninich,
two children (subseq
Coleburn
hour through the body," and
two more arrived)
is a Highland whisky.
then began to talk about "his
World War II broke
concept of happiness and the
picked up his family
"And two, Cragganmore
importance of emotion." As
moved to the United s
and Dailuaine, are cherished
the reporter noted with un-
like so many European
concealed glee, Rubinstein
gee artists, among
stole the show. Recalling the
Mann, Bartok, Schoe
event now, Rubinstein chor-
Hindemith and Strav
Buchanan's 12. The Blend of Ideals.
ties over how "they wanted
And like so many of
to poke my brain and exam-
Rubinstein moved to C
ine me-they seemed amazed
nia, where he settled in I
Blended Scotch Whisky 86.8 Proof, Heublein, Inc. Hartford, Conn.
28
LONDON
Swimook
LEEDS
GATESHEAD
haw
GIVOT
/
MAIDSTONE
With his piano: Rubinstein in 1906, when he made his Amer-
ican debut. He did not make "an unforgettable impression."
ly Hills in what was, by that
rio. Now, of course, the Great
time, his 32d home. He be-
Sol is gone, too, and Rubin-
came a United States citizen
stein is lonelier for it.
in 1946 but now lives- when
"I met Hurok when I was
A gentle reminder (as if you need one).
he is not making the interna-
40, you know, and we were
tional hotel circuit on his in-
both struggling to begin. Cha-
cessant tours - in homes in
liapin, who was my dear
Marbella on Spain's Costa del
friend-my big brother al-
Sol and in his prewar house
most, I adored him-invited
on the Avenue Foch in Paris,
me to his hotel here in New
If you recognize the gentleman (and who doesn't?), and if
close 'to the onetime
York
This
was
of Debussy.
in those for me very dark
you've heard the gong (and who hasn't?), you know the pro-
Many of Rubinstein's old
20's, you see. And there was
ductions will be great. And they are.
friends have deserted him by
a little man sitting in the
now and while the ranks have
corner. Chaliapin treated him
There is no second Rank in hotels. Not where we are with
been filled by the multiplying
terribly, told him to sit there,
millions of us who know him
don't speak, things like that.
what we offer. Which is considerable. We're all you need to
through his music-making, the
I played 'Petroushka' on the
know in London. Nobody outranks us for diversity of hotels
absentee list is a glorious
piano and the little man -
one. Man and boy, Rubinstein
who, of course, was Hurok
and rates, from 5-star luxury to the brand newest budget
has been close to virtually
-thought It was fine."
buy in town. Rank has its very special privileges for guests in
all the important artists and
At the time of meeting
Paris and Brussels. And its pleasures in unusual resorts from
public figures of the century.
Hurok, Rubinstein was
He was, it is startling to real-
middle-aged and a notoriously
the Italian Alps and Scottish Highlands to sunny Sardinia and
ize, a protégé of Joseph
erratic artist. Although he had
the Canaries.
Joachim, the man to whom
made his New York debut
Brahms dedicated his Violin
in 1906 and had returned in
Concerto, and of Paderewski,
1919 for a second try at the
In all, 17 productions that will really give you a top Rank time.
the only planist ever to be
brass ring on the American
Whether you're going to Europe for business, pleasure or
the political leader of his
concert carrousel, he had made
both. Join the Ranks and we'll prove it to you. (Maybe we
country (one makes this state-
something less than an unfor-
ment in full recognition of
gettable impression. Technical-
should say, we'll give you the shirt off our back. But after all,
the fact that Harry Truman,
ly, he insists (although there
one picture is worth a 1,000 words.)
Richard Nixon and others
are those who will dispute him
have been known to sit at
on the basis of existing record-
the instrument on occasion).
ings) he was not first-class.
He was befriended by Saint-
So, after his marriage at 43 in
Saens, rubbed elbows and
1932 to Aniela Mylnarski, he
minds with Hemingway and
made up his mind to become
Hotels
Picasso ("I knew him before
a responsible fellow. He clois-
Rank
he was Picasso and I was
tered himself in an Alpine
Rubinstein") and championed
The hotels the rest of Europe stays at.
village and practiced 12 to
the music of such friends as
16 hours a day, trying to
Information and reservations: N.Y.C., call (212) 421-2353.
Stravinsky, Albéniz, Grana-
rebuild from the ground up
Rank Hotels (Sales) Ltd., 444 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022
Or call (212) 586-5099. LRI (Loews Reservations Inc.),
dos, Falla, Szymanowski,
a technique that could match
666 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. 10019.
Ravel, Poulenc and Milhaud
his innate musicality and flair.
Outside New York State, call 800-223-5560 toll-free.
when these names were con-
"You see, before that I was
Or check the Yellow Pages and call LRI in your area toll-free.
sidered part of the accursed
a little too interested in other
avant-garde. He even-yes,
things at certain periods of
ENGLAND. London: The Alexandra National, The Athenseum, The Gloucester, The Royal Garden, The
even this-knew Sol: Hurok
my. life. I adored literature.
Royal Lancester, The White House, Gateshead: The Five Bridges. Maidstone: The Great Danes. Leeds: The
Merrion. Bristol: The Unicorn. Swindon: The Wiltshire. SCOTLAND. Invernes-shire: The Coylumbridge.
before Hurok was an impresa-
I enjoyed hearing intelligent
BELGIUM. Brussels: The Royal Windsor. FRANCE. Paris: The Westminster. ITALY. Aosta (Italian Alps):
The Valle d'Aosta. SARDINA. Porto Cervo: The Romazzino. CANARY ISLANDS. Tenerife: The Medano.
30
people talk and that stopped
showman: "Ah, my dear
"Dark Cameroon wrapper on
me from wanting to practice."
Artoooor." Hurok insisted on
(As others remember it, and
calling Rubinstein Artur for
as Rubinstein documents it
publicity purposes because
a cigar the size of my No. 3.
in his memoirs, the problem
be thought the name had
was not so much literature
more class than plain Arthur.
as women, wine and song,
"But I always signed my name
call that style."
to revise slightly the tradi-
in Spain as Arturo, in Slavic
tional recipe for oats-sowing.)
countries as Artur, and in
"So, here was this little
America I want to be Arthur.
fellow Hurok, at that time
It's silly to make a fuss and
putting on low-priced-cort-
I feel guilty about it, but
"Expensive, dark
certs here in the Hippodrome.
I. always preferred that."
Mischa Elman, the circus,
At the word "guilty," Mrs.
Cameroon wrapper
horse shows, Galli-Curci, ev-
Rubinstein looks at her hus-
is usually
erything-oh, how It smelled.
band reproachfully. "This
Hurok remembered me from
man, he is ridden with guilt.
cigar
reserved for
Chaliapin's and came to see
He feels guilty about the
5 CIGARS
me. I have Titta Ruffo for
wars, about being a survivor
billboard."
No. 3
large cigars.
a concert but he is able to
when so many others are
But it's on
sing only a few arias, so
gone. And he even feels guilty
would you play two items
about not having played some
my No. 3".
on his program?" Yes, I would.
great pieces of music." Rubin-
As it happened, Ruffo was
stein nodded glumly. "Yes, I
not in voice, but I was in
will die with the feeling that
voice and the audience made
there are at least a hundred
me give two encores in the
works that I might have
"This is the
middle of the concert. Hurok
played-the Sixth Sonata of
actual pack size.
was very impressed. He
Prokofiev, for instance, also
thought my kind of personali-
the First and Third concertos
It disappears
Capitán
ty was absolutely right for
But, you know I really never
the country at that moment
wanted to play the last sona-
in your pocket."
and so we made the career
tas of Beethoven in public. I
deTueros.
together, Hurok and
think these are private works,
for the drawing room. The
Hurok was a shrewd judge
public pretends to love them
Time
of performing chemistry and
but really it gets rather bored.
it is not hard to see now
The slow movement of Op. III
why Rubinstein has enjoyed
is sublime but in the concert
such a large and fanatically
hall. unless it is played in an
devoted audience. Above all,
absolutely sublime way, A
extre Was UNITED you to wear. 00
he pays attention to a work's
want to fall asleep.
"line," its overall meaning
and design and, as Sir Thomas
Such Rubinstein attitudes
Beecham once reminded an
as that have always gotten
orchestra, "That's all the au-
him in trouble with people
dience really cares about." Ru-
who consider themselves
binstein himself remembers
more serious than he about
that "even in the days when
music. But while he may be
This
the critics used to complain
temperamentally in tune with
most about details, the line
much of the piano literature
is the
was there, It jolly well was
that these more somber souls
there." However, the line
admire, he has found much
"You'll agree this is what
actual size
must be supported by in-
of it unsuited to his public
good looks ought to taste like."
of a No. 3.
numerable nuances of phras-
needs. Until recent years, for
ing, accentuation, color chang-
instance, he played little Mo-
That's why
es and dynamic gradations
zart and less Schubert, though
or it will fail to please dis-
when he got around to record-
John Weitz
the man
cerning listeners and the fact
ing a Schubert sonata, he
is that musicians have been
chose the greatest and most
on the go
Rubinstein's most dedicated
challenging of them all, the
goes for it."
fans throughout his career.
posthumous B-flat. He isn't
It is not given to every planist
very good at explaining why
to please both the finest musi-
he favored Brahms or Chopin.
clans of his time and Sol
"I always had the feeling that
Hurok's millions.
music is good to be heard
Try Capitán cigars. Mild imported filler.
but not too much spoken
about. That's why I didn't
Cameroon wrapper. Sensible price.
rs. Rubinstein, a
M
write so much about music
A choice of four shapes.
lively
blonde
in my book. I find them pretty
woman who is 23
funny, actually, those little
Capitán
years younger
books that musicians write
than her husband, had joined
about how they play." He
the conversation by this time
casts his astonishingly pliable
and put in, "We miss him
face into the caricature of
The first cigar styled by
very much, Hurok. He was so
a men's fashion designer.
funny about that 'Artur' busi-
a philosopher-pedant and pon-
ness." Rubinstein nodded and
derously intones, "I was read-
immediately slipped into his
ing one day more of Schopen-
Sol Hurok impression, rum-
hauer, and then I played the
bling in the familiar tone of
Chaconne a little-ah, slow-
the Ukrainian immigrant-
A throwaway joke, deliv-
BERT PALEY, LTD.
ered with the timing of the
loved Brahms, can be annoy-
born comedian.
ingly Prussian. "Do you know
Despite a career-long
that Brahms broke off his
PART OF
addiction to the music of
friendship with a Viennese
Beethoven, Brahms and Schu-
doctor, a great patron of the
mann, Rubinstein seems to
arts, because that doctor once
have grown increasingly dis-
THE AFTER SIX
invited Massenet to dinner?
turbed about the nation that
Massenet had come to Vienna
FORD
LIBRARY
produced them. He has not
to produce his opera Werth-
played in public on German
FAMILY
er.' Brahms said to his friend,
y
soil since the beginning of
'How could you tolerate that
World War 1, when he became
dirt, that so-called music? You
How do you recognize a member of the
GERALD
outraged at the treatment of
are no friend of mine. tHe
After Six family?
the Belgians by the German
didn't even go to the doctor's
You can't.
invaders. For a while after
funeral. I was absolutely furi-
Not if what you look for is on the surface.
the holocaust of World War
ous when I read that. I spat
II, he even refused to get
Because the brands in the After Six family
blood, because I adore
out of planes when they
Brahms. But he was always
are as different as a tux and a leather jacket.
touched down in Germany for
rude, terribly rude, a vicious
But beneath the surface there is a strong
brief stopovers.
fellow, if you like. But what
similarity, a dedication to the old tailoring
However, in 1963, he gave R
can you do about it? You know
verities. You can't have great fashion
special concert in the Nether-
how rude he was to Clara
without great fit. And you can't have great
lands, just across the German
Schumann at the close of her
life? Last year I swallowed
fit without great sewmanship.
border, to which bus-loads of
his German admirers were
eight volumes of Max Kal-
Bert Paley reflects that devotion to
brought, simply to show that
beck's biography of Brahms,
details in the superlative way their leather
he clearly distinguishes the
absolutely, day by day. He
wear is handled. You'll find this Bert Paley
people of any country from
tells those stories on
chamois suede jacket with Roman
the fools and scoundrels who
Brahms." Rubinstein talks
striped pockets featured at Finchleys, N.Y.;
rule them. He has faith in
heatedly, not about some his-
them, even now. "Why should
torical figure, but about a
Marsh's, Huntington, L.I., N.Y.; Morville
I be cynical? My public
contemporary whose life be-
Clothes, Philadelphia; Capper & Capper,
is individuals, made up of
came intertwined, through
Chicago; Al Baskin, Chicago andother
people who love music. I hate
Joachim, with his own.
fine stores everywhere. OR CALL TOLL
all the nations in the world
We have moved to the din-
FREE (800) 523-4554.
because can you ever really
ing table by now, and Mrs.
believe one word that their
Rubinstein is revealing to me
For an interesting booklet on Bert Paley and the
other well-known divisions of After Six, Inc., write
leaders say? Hypocrites! Rus-
one of the possible answers
to 1290 Avenue of the Americas, N.Y.C. 10019.
sia, for instance-250 million
to the mystery of her hus-
BERT PALEY. LTD/A DIVISION OF SIX, INC. /Amerteen Stock Exchange Symbol: TUX.
Russians, and 240 million are
band's physical and mental
slaves. Revolutions are al-
resilience-his eating habits.
ways made by decent people,
"For many years I have
but right away
cooked for him. I am a profes-
Because Rubinstein has
sional cook, I love it. You
never been able to treat music
know, this new fat-free
as one of the abstract scienc-
French cuisine they are talk-
es, his ideas about composers
ing about, I like it very much
and their works seem to con-
because I have always done
flict at times or overlap into
it. I take off all the grease,
politics. Even Brahms, his be-
all the fats, and at the end
Those who
know London
know where
to find the
perfect time.
LOEWS
CHURCHILL
With his impresario: The pianist with the late Sol Hurok, whose
PORTMAN SQUARE LONDON W1
shrewd management helped Rubinstein to win great fame.
FOR RESERVATIONS. SEE YOUR TRAVEL AGENT OR CHECK THE YELLOW PAGES AND CALL LRI ILOEWS RESERVATIONS INC) TOLL FREE IN YOUR AREA
The New York Times Magazine/March 11,1976
35
"We Begg
to
differ."
John Begg is an un-
usual Scotch. A little lighter,
a little smoother. If you
can call a Scotch
Juhm Basa
"rich," we'll call it
that, too.
John Begg
Scotch. 131 years
of quality.
With his audience: Rubinstein acknowledges applause after a Carnegie Hell concert, 1974.
I put in a little cream here I couldn't see the keys," Ru- pieces, including about 40
and there."
binstein says. The trouble,
concertos.
The Rubinsteins laugh a lot,
which has been growing in-
Something has been nagging
IMPORTED
loudly and with gusto, and
creasingly more serious in the
at my own memory during
seem to enjoy each other's
this discussion and, after leav-
last few years and now af-
jokes enormously. "For 43
ing the Rubinsteins, I go home
years, all my married life,
fects both eyes, seems to date
and look up my notes from
1 have cooked that way. He
from a time when Rubinstein
that 1972 interview in Buffa-
is a very easy fellow to feed.
was hospitalized by an attack
lo. I find a few sentences
Good appetite. He loves chick-
of shingles. A type of eye
that hadn't seemed important
en, so I have a million ways
failure that is not helped by
enough to include in the ar-
ONE QUART
to cook it. He could eat it
glasses, it is caused by a
ticle I wrote then but which
every day and not complain.
hardening of blood vessels in
now leap out of the page.
He doesn't very much like
the eyeball. Rubinstein has
Rubinstein had been good-na-
red: meat." Rubinstein drops
been left with only dim periph-
turedly defending his flam-
ESTD.
1845
his jaw, hunches over his
eral vision. Moreover, as has
boyant style of playing. his
plate and gives his imitation
become increasingly evident
way of leaning back, gazing
of your average American
during our conversation, the
at the celling and lifting his
gourmand tearing at a bloody
hearing in his right ear is
hands high off the keyboard.
John Begg
steak, complete with cave-
just about gone.
"As you know, I was always
man growis and digestive
But Rubinstein's reservoir
the champion of wrong notes,
sound effects. But then the
of good humor seems bottom-
but I don't care because 1
winds of Rubinstein's moods
less and his élan does not
need the impact that I can
change again. "You know,"
desert him even at this dark
get in this way," he had said.
Blue Cap
he says quietly, "I would like
turn of events. "Of course,
"I must confess, in fact, that
to continue writing-but no,
it is very bad for me, this
my dream is to play whole
BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
it is too late now, I am too
thing of the eyes, because,
pieces, maybe whole pro-
old, and my eyes
next to music and my family,
grams, without looking at the
100% SCOTCH WHISKIES
Mrs. Rubinstein winces,
I love books the most. So my
keys once."
Distilled and Blended in Scorland
and the reason quickly
wife will have to read to me
The dream is now reality.
SHIPPED BY.
becomes clear: Rubinstein is
now. We are making plans
Perhaps there will again be
John GLASGOW BEGG LTD
SCOTLAND
losing his sight. "Shall we
for this new kind of life.
a few wrong notes? Perhaps.
ROYAL
tell?" Mrs. Rubinstein asks
Naturally, I regret this very
But Rosina Lhevinne, herself
is
her husband. He smiles and
much, but what can you do?
one of the famous pianists
shrugs. "Why not, after all,"
I am getting old and these
and teachers of her time, long
she goes on, "when it is really
things happen to one at this
ago had the last word on
more wonderful that you play
time. I still will enjoy every
that. To a student who men-
without
And so the sus-
day, and keep on playing if 1
tioned Rubinstein's occasional
pected but still startling facts
can." Fortunately, he has a
wrong notes, Lhevinne re-
come out.
photographic memory in
sponded dreamily, "Ah, yes,
86 Proof, Imported by and bottled in U.S. for James M, McCunn & Co., N.Y.
"For the last six concerts
which is stored hundreds of
but what wrong notes."
20
38
C
T
OF
tl
m
in
all
ag
esd
lon
one
obli
tudi
mar
vice
ingn
tor
state
to re
30
fault.
an
Ori
mittec
Budge
earor
future
rowing
state
posed
TARD
United Press International
clusive
anier
Arthur Rubinstein by a bust of himself that was unveiled at Carnegie Hall yesterday
The
",VII
night
,I&W
ber pa
2:11
as bi
Notes on People
resen
Sena
the
agrees
al-
e
Rubinstein's Bustin Carnegie
pr
of
Seventy years after he
Mr. Ozawa, who will con-
head of the teamsters' union
at
made his American debut in
tinue as director of the Bos
has been missing since July
Carnegie Hall, Arthur Rubin-
ton Symphony, reached on
30 and is believed dead, but
pa
stein unveiled a bust of him-
tour in Hanover, Germany,
the suit does not seek certi-
W
self there yesterday. The 89-
fication of his death. In ad-
in
said, he was "happy about
year-old pianist, scheduled to
my orchestra's very good
dition to normal duties as
re
play a recital there Monday,
feeling about Maestro de
administrator, according to
was described by Isaac Stern,
Waart and wish him and my
her petition, Mrs. Hoffa
fo
the violinist and president of
musicians a big success and
needs "to commence certain
lid
Carnegie Hall, as "the per-
a happy time making music
litigation in order to defend
S6
son who has contributed
valuable property interests
in
together."
more than anyone else to this
of the estate which are now
S
house." A spokesman said
Adela Holzer, a Broadway
being challenged."
Mr. Rubinstein had played
producer for the last eight
there "at least once a year"
years, said yesterday she was
The 23-year-old son of
since his first appearance.
quitting show business be-
Senator James S. Abourezk,
The pianist said he loved the
cause she was unable to get
the South Dakota Democrat,
bust, sculpted by Nathan
"the necessary artistic help."
confirmed yesterday that he
Rapaport, "because it doesn't
She will close "Me Jack, You
had received food stamps but
look like me but the way
Jill" Sunday, after 16 preview
called press reports about the
I should look."
performances, in the after-
matter "cheap sensaiona
math of her dismissal of the
ism." The Washington Po
Horold
T
said Wednesdav that Char
Rubenetein
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Awards this
Presidential Medal of Freedom
With Distinction
917 GERALD R. FORD
to
ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN
Musician, gentleman, and bon vivant, Arthur Rubinstein has
shared his singular and deeply personal mastery of the piano
throughout the world. For over seven decades, his ceaseless
vitality, his luminous spirit and his profound depth of mind have
brought a fresh sparkle to the lives of people everywhere. His
audiences love him; his colleagues and friends revere him; and
his country, the United States of America, is proud to proclaim him
as a giant among artists and men.
There is no scenario because they won't know until 10:00 if
or not Rubenstein will play the piano.
12:10 The President will come upstairs to get Mrs. Ford
12:15 The President and Mrs. Ford will join Mr. and Mrs. Rubenstein
and children in the Red Room
12:20 Rubenstein children proceed four principals entering
East Room (Mrs. Ford will sit on the platform with
the Rubensteins.
President Speaks and presents medal
GERALD R. FORD
Rubenstein Speaks
Rubenstein May play piano
12:50 If he plays there will be brief mingling (5 min. with
the principals and guests)
There will be a receiving line in the hall after seremony
1:20 President goes up to the luncheon which is in the Yellow
Over Room
2:20 Luncheon ends
3:15 pm PSA Taping
NOT FOR RELEASE
Guest list for the reception to be given by the President and Mrs. Ford on
the occasion of the Presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom to
Arthur Rubinstein on Thursday, April 1, 1976 at twelve o'clock
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rubinstein
Miss Alina Rubinstein
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rubinstein
Miss Eva Rubinstein
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rubinstein
Mr. and Mrs. John Rubinstein
Son and daughter-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rubinstein
His Excellency The Ambassador of Austria
and Mrs. Halusa
His Excellency The Ambassador of Belgium
and Mrs. Van Cauwenberg
His Excellency The British Ambassador
and Lady Ramsbotham
His Excellency The Ambassador of Chile
and Mrs. Trucco
Mrs. Jacques Kosciusko-Morizet
Wife of the Ambassador of France
The Honorable Niels Hansen
Charge d'affaires, Embassy of the Federal
Republic of Germany
His Excellency Simcha Dinitz
Ambassador of Israel
Mrs. Roberto Gaja
Wife of the Ambassador of Italy
The Honorable Emile Tydeman and Mrs. Tydeman
Charge d'affaires, Embassy of the Netherlands
His Excellency The Ambassador of the Polish People's Republic
and Mrs. Trampczynski
His Excellency The Ambassador of Portugal
and Mrs. Themido
Dr. Gheorghe Ionita
Counselor, Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Romania
His Excellency The Ambassador of Spain
and Mrs. Alba
His Excellency The Ambassador of Sweden
and Mrs. Wachtmeister
FORD of GERALD LIBRARY
Mrs. Dean Acheson, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Allbritton
Publisher, The Washington Star
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Werner Amram, Washington, D. C.
- 2 - 4/1/76
Mr. Walter Anderson
Music program director, National Endowment for the Arts
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Auchincloss, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Percy Aycock, McLean, Virginia
Campbell Music Company, Inc.
Mrs. Robert Low Bacon, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Philip Barry, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable Jacob D. Beam and Mrs. Beam, Washington, D. C.
Captain Peter Belin, USN, retired, and Mrs. Belin, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Samuel Ellison Belk III, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Luis Bolin, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable Daniel J. Boorstin and Mrs. Boorstin
Librarian of Congress
Donna Julia Brambilla, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable Philip W. Buchen and Mrs. Buchen
Counsel to the President
The Honorable Ellsworth Bunker and Mrs. Bunker
Ambassador at Large; Mrs--The Honorable Carol C. Laise,
Director General of the Foreign Service
The Honorable W. Randolph Burgess, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Paul Callaway, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Harvey L. Cliburn, Shreveport, Louisiana
Mother of Mr. Van Cliburn
Mr. Van Cliburn, Shreveport, Louisiana
Concert pianist
The Honorable Michael Collins and Mrs. Collins
Director, National Air and Space Museum
Mr. William M. Cook, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Oscar S. Cox, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Cox, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Feinstein
Executive Director of Performing Arts, JFK Center for the
Performing Arts
DEPART
FORD
Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Folliard, Washington, D. C.
Medal of Freedom recipient 1970
LIBRARY
The Honorable Leonard Garment, Washington, D. C.
Mr. George Gelles, Washington, D. C.
The Washington Star
Mr. and Mrs. Vladimir Gelvans, Forest Hills, New York
Mr--American Ballet Theater
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Glancy, New York, New York
President RCA/Victor Records
Mrs. Philip L. Graham, Washington, D. C.
Publisher, The Washington Post
Miss Judy Gruber, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Hall, New York, New York
Chairman, Hurok Concerts, Inc.
- 3 - 4/1/76
The Honorable Bryce N. Harlow, Arlington, Virginia
Mr. John K. Havemeyer, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Patrick Hayes
President, Washington Performing Arts Society
Dr. Richard Hubbard Howland, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hunter, Bethesda, Maryland
Mrs--President, Opera Society of Washington
The Honorable Jacob K. Javits, U. S. Senate, and Mrs. Javits
(New York)
Mr. George Lasocki, Washington, D. C.
Mr. George London, Washington, D. C.
Washington Opera Society
The Honorable Clark MacGregor and Mrs. MacGregor, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Peter Malatesta, McLean, Virginia
The Honorable Charles McC. Mathias, U. S. Senate, and Mrs. Mathias
(Maryland)
The Honorable Joseph M. McDade, House of Representatives,
and Mrs. McDade (Pennsylvania)
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Nadel, New York, New York
Scripps Howard Newspapers
Mr. and Mrs. Garrison Norton, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Virginia Page, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable Claiborne Pell, U. S. Senate, and Mrs. Pell (Rhode Island)
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Peterson, Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
The Honorable Raymond Price, Washington, D. C.
Miss Linda Reynolds, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable John J. Richardson, Jr. and Mrs. Richardson
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs
Dr. and Mrs. S. Dillon Ripley II
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sanders, Washington, D. C.
Associated Press
Miss Lisa Sergio, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Z. Shepard, New York, New York
Division Vice President, RCA Red Seal
Mrs. Jouett Shouse, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. John Farr Simmons, Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Hobart A. Spalding, Washington, D. C.
FORD & Lib, GERALD
Mr. John Steinway, Long Island City, New York
President, Steinway Piano Company
The Honorable Roger L. Stevens and Mrs. Stevens, Washington, D. C.
Chairman, JFK Center for the Performing Arts
Mr. Justice Stewart
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Straight, Bethesda, Maryland
Deputy Chairman, National Endowment for the Arts
- 4 - 4/1/76
Mr. John S. Thacher, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable William Royall Tyler, Washington, D. C.
The Honorable Jack J. Valenti and Mrs. Valenti
President, Motion Picture Association
Dr. Charles H. Watts, Jr., Washington, D. C.
Mr. and Mrs. Max Wilcox, New York, New York
Recording producer
The Honorable Stanley Woodward and Mrs. Woodward, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Walter Zachariasiewicz, Chevy Chase, Maryland
American Council of Polish Cultural Clubs
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
- 5 - 4/1/76
White House staff
William Baroody
James Cannon
Foster Chanock
James Connor
Eleanor Connors
Eva Daughtrey
John Dunn
Michael Duval
Roland Elliott
Max Friedersdorf
David Gergen
Robert Hartmann
To hear from:
Eliska Hasek
Jerry Jones
James Cavanaugh
Bobbie Kilberg
Robert Goldwin
Mildred Leonard
Burt Malkiel
James Lynn
John Marsh
Theodore Marrs
William Seidman
Sarah Massengale
Robert McFarlane
Milt Mitler
Jackie Mooneyhan
Ronald Nessen
William Nicholson
Robert Orben
Richard Parsons
Susan Porter
Eric Rosenberger
Teresa Rosenberger
Edward Schmults
Brent Scowcroft
William Selovar
James Shuman
Pat Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Vallis
GERALD R. FORD LIBRARY
Margita White
Kathie Wooten
- 6 - 4/1/76
To hear from:
The Honorable Henry A. Kissinger
Secretary of State
The Honorable David K. E. Bruce and Mrs. Bruce
Medal of Freedom recipient 1976
Mr. and Mrs. Antal Dorati
Musical director, National Symphony Orchestra
Miss Kay Murphy Halle, Washington, D. C.
Miss Carol V. Harford, Arlington, Virginia
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Kauffmann, Washington, D. C.
(former Publisher of The Washington Star)
Mrs. Charles MacArthur (Helen Hayes)
The Honorable Charles H. Percy, U. S. Senate, and Mrs. Percy
(Illinois)
Mr. and Mrs. Andre Previn
London Symphony Orchestra
The Honorable H. Chapman Rose and Mrs. Rose, Washington, D. C.
FORD de GERALD LIBRARY
LUNCHEON - April 1, 1976
Mrs. Robert Low Bacon
Mr. William M. Cook
Mr. John Rubinstein
Mrs. Arthur Rubinstein
MRS. FORD
THE PRESIDENT
Mr. Arthur Rubinstein
Miss Eva Rubinstein
Miss Alina Rubinstein
Mrs. John Rubinstein
The Secretary of State
FORD & LIBRARY GERATO
ENTRANCE
yellow Ovah
Room - -
Miss Alina Rubinstein -- 26 years old, medical student, Columbia University
Miss Eva Rubinstein -- 38 years old, professional photographer - Eva was
married to Rev. William Coffin of Yale Divinity School but has been divorced
from him for 10 years - assumed maiden name.
John Rubinstein -- 30 years old - has had a lead role in "Pippin."
Mrs. John Rubinstein -- wife of son.
Mrs. Robert Low Bacon -- grande dame - Washington society - - Rubinsteins'
are house guests of Mrs. Bacon.
William Cook -- Stock Broker, Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith -
long time friend of the Rubinsteins - has acted as liaison for this event.
GERALD R FORD TIBRANA
(Gergen)
March 31, 1976
Brief Background Notes on Arthur Rubinstein
Arthur Rubinstein was born 89 years ago in Lodz, Poland,
the seventh child in his family. His father owned a hand-loom
factory.
He was recognized as a prodigy while still a child, and by
the time he was eight had given his first concert --- for charity.
Soon thereafter he began studying under a great Hungarian
violinist, Joachim (who was a friend of Brahms).
At the age of 16, he made his first appearance in the
U.S. playing in Philadelphia, in Carnegie Hall, and elsewhere.
That was in 1906 -- 70 years ago!
For the next 25 years he played in several continents.
Audiences loved him, especially Spanish-speaking ones, because
of his great exuberance and zest, but he always fell below his
recognized talents. It was said that he paid too much attention
to women, wine and song -- in that order -- and not very much to
his practice.
He became much more serious about his music in the 1930s,
especially after he married the daughter of a Polish conductor,
Aniela Mlynarski. She has been a great influence upon his life.
Rubinstein really became a great figure upon the American
scene when, after an absence of 10 years, the impressario
Sol Hurok brought him back here in 1937. He was a smashing
success and has been returning regularly to the U.S. ever since -
and his fame has been steadily growing.
He has since been decorated by practically every major
country in the world. The U.S., his adopted country, is about
the last to recognize him --- a sore point in the art world.
***
Great, good humor and a love of life have always been two
of the Rubinstein trademarks. He is regarded as a very fine
conversationalist, interested in almost everything --- including
foreign affairs.
GERALD
***
One of the saddest parts of Rubinstein's career for his fans
is his rapidly growing blindness. On this tour of the U.S., it
is said that he cannot really see the keyboard. He is limited
mostly to peripheral vision. His hearing is also impaired in
his right ear. (He will be shown a copy of the President's remarks
prior to the Thursday ceremony so that he will understand what
has been said and can respond appropriately.) His music now is
played from memory -- and he can play some 200 pieces by heart.
***
(Gergen)
2
March 31, 1976
Another enormous influence upon his life has been the
two world wars. He was personally aware of German brutality
in Belgium during the WW I, and in WW II, his six brothers and
sisters disappeared in concentration camps along with six
million other Jews. Since WW I, he has refused to play in
Germany and for many years he refused even to get off
airplanes when they stopped there for refueling.
He is also a very close friend of the Israelis and has
been highly decorated there.
***
Rubinstein was living in Paris with his wife and two
children (two more came later) when WW II broke out. He picked
up his family and moved to the U.S. like so many other European
refugee artists (Thomas Mann, Bartok, Schoenberg, Hindemith
and Stravinsky). Like many of them, he settled in California
(Beverly Hills) in what for him was his 32nd home.
In 1946 he became an American citizen, and it is said
that his citizenship papers are his proudest possession.
Since then, the Rubinsteins have re-established a regular
home in Paris, but his children remain here along with many
of his fans and memories.
***
Rubinstein enjoys telling of another Polish pianist who
went into politics . -- Paderewski.
R. FORD 1189
After WW I, Paderewski went to Versailles for the Peace
Conference as the Polish premier.
He was introduced to Clemenceau, the French premier, and
Clemenceau said, "Aren't you the famous Paderewski?"
"Yes."
=
"The musician, the pianist?"
"Yes."
"And you are now the Premier of Poland?"
"Yes."
"Well," said Clemenceau, "what a downfall."
***
Abroad, his name is spelled Artur Rubinstein -- a Hurok twist.
Here in the U.S., it's Arthur.
***
REMARKS FOR ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN PRESENTATION
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I want to welcome all of you to the White House this
afternoon. Many of you have been here from time to time over
the years, and as long as Betty and I are here, I hope you
will regard it as a "home away from home."
As most of you know, the Medal of Freedom is the highest
civilian honor that it is within the power of a President of
the United States to bestow.
I feel deeply privileged today to act on behalf of all
Americans in presenting that medal to one of the giants of our
time.
The legend of Arthur Rubinstein has been built upon many
pillars.
GERMITO R. FORD
By the account of critics, he is the greatest master of
the piano living today -- a musician as thoroughly familiar with
Chopin and Beethoven as with interpretations of more modern
Spanish and impressionist pieces.
It is difficult for many of us to believe that Arthur
Rubinstein made his New York debut in Carnegie Hall some
70 years ago.
He was a young man then and by his own account, he was
not yet the artist that he knew he could be. But in the years
that have passed since then --- through his extraordinary
dedication and through the support of his lovely wife and
family -- who are with us today --- he has turned his vision
and interpretations into an uncompromising standard of musical
excellence.
Yet to millions of fans across the globe, Arthur Rubinstein
R.
has given something more than the joy of music. He has alsgand
FORD
LIBRARY
given the joy of life itself. "I love life unconditionally,
he has said, and he has communicated that sheer delight to
generation after generation.
It was his late and very fine friend, Sol Hurok, who wrote
after first hearing Mr. Rubinstein in 1921: "The power of his
3
personality and the sense of grandeur and poetry that enveloped
his playing filled me with almost unbearable excitement."
The multitudes who have packed concert halls in Europe,
in the Soviet Union, in Latin America, and in the United States --
they too have felt that "unbearable excitement" from this man.
Finally, I would say this about the Arthur Rubinstein legend.
Here in the United States we feel a special affection and bond
with him because in 1946 -- some 30 years ago -- he chose to
make America his home.
Arthur Rubinstein has been decorated and celebrated in
almost every land, but it is said that above all else he
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FORD
values the document that made him an American.
GERALD
All of us who have been touched by his grace and kindness,
his love, his generosity and his warmth of humor will always
be grateful that he chose to share our citizenship.
I know that many of you here today have long looked for-
ward to this moment, and I feel proud that on this 200th
anniversary of our nation, I have the privilege to present this
4
medal to one of our greatest national treasures:
Mr. Arthur Rubinstein.
And now, Mr. Rubinstein, if you will please step forward,
I will read the citation and present the Medal of Freedom.
FORD & GERALD LII