TV REVIEW : ‘RUBINSTEIN REMEMBERED’ ON PBS

The life story of Artur Rubinstein may be a thrice-told tale by this time, but it still has a joyous ring, as related in “Rubinstein Remembered: A 100th Anniversary Tribute,” airing on PBS as part of the “American Masters” series tonight (Channel 50 at 8, Channels 28 and 15 at 9).

The Polish-born pianist, who became an American citizen in 1946, died Dec. 20, 1982, just 39 days shy of a century.

Writer/director Peter Rosen’s recounting of the life and vivid personality of the beloved musician has a similar sort of immediacy found in Rubinstein’s two autobiographical volumes.

A portion of the program is set in the pianist’s native city of Lodz, Poland, for an observance of the Rubinstein centennial. The surviving family was invited to a concert in the city’s Philharmonic Hall where the 10-year-old Artur was first heard in public. His son, John, widely esteemed as an actor and musician, made his conducting debut with the Lodz Philharmonic on that occasion.

The younger Rubinstein contributes an affectionate and often amusing narrative of his father’s career. Aniela Rubinstein, the pianist’s widow, and other members of the family likewise offer recollections, but no revelations.

Rubinstein is depicted in early still photographs; and, in his later years, reminisces with gusto from beneath his picturesque broad-rimmed hat. He is shown being feted by his Polish admirers, and he is captured on film in Paris, Israel and other stops on his constant tours.

In his own words, Rubinstein tells how he was “born for the piano”--we learn how he smashed the quarter-size violin his father was determined to have him study. He tells how his marriage and pride in his family persuaded him to abandon his easygoing ways and become a serious artist, “so that no one would be ashamed of me.”

Rubinstein plays often in the film, but only in brief, incomplete bits. But the snippets of Chopin, Schumann and Poulenc remind us of the inimitable Rubinstein tone, and the warmth and grandeur of his vision.