Affinities: Frederic Chopin and Arthur Rubinstein
Performances by Arthur Rubinstein of Chopin's piano works are legendary and perhaps unequaled. Rubinstein never succumbs to the trite or obvious, but gives Chopin's music structure and depth which many performers miss. What is behind such understanding of Chopin's music? Seventy seven years separate the births of Chopin and Rubinstein. They lived in different worlds, yet they resonate with each other. One would expect psychological similarities between them.
Astrologically, their similarities become obvious. Birth charts of each are shown below.
What is first apparent in these charts is the strong presence of Aquarius and Pisces energies. Both men show the dominance of Air and Water signs. Eris is in Pisces in Rubinstein's chart while his Saturn is in the emotional sign of Cancer, both giving his performances sensitivity as well as disciplined structure. Conversely, Eris is in the mental sign of Aquarius in Chopin's chart. The Fire of Aries is present in Chopin's Jupiter and in Rubinstein's Moon. Scorpio shows up in Chopin's Uranus and in Rubinstein's Jupiter. The Earth of Chopin's Moon in Capricorn is balanced by Neptune in earthy Taurus in Rubinstein's chart. The Saturn-Neptune conjunction square the stellium of Sun, Venus and Pluto in Pisces give Chopin's music the dreamy yet cohesive quality. Chopin's Virgo Ascendant brings the qualities of discernment and precision to his music which Rubinstein with his Aquarian mind could fully grasp.
One difference between the charts is that in Rubinstein's chart Saturn in the 10th House indicates hard work in front of the public. Rubinstein was 89 at his last performance. Chopin lived a less public life, with no planets near his 10th House, but his legacy is timeless.
Astrologically, their similarities become obvious. Birth charts of each are shown below.
What is first apparent in these charts is the strong presence of Aquarius and Pisces energies. Both men show the dominance of Air and Water signs. Eris is in Pisces in Rubinstein's chart while his Saturn is in the emotional sign of Cancer, both giving his performances sensitivity as well as disciplined structure. Conversely, Eris is in the mental sign of Aquarius in Chopin's chart. The Fire of Aries is present in Chopin's Jupiter and in Rubinstein's Moon. Scorpio shows up in Chopin's Uranus and in Rubinstein's Jupiter. The Earth of Chopin's Moon in Capricorn is balanced by Neptune in earthy Taurus in Rubinstein's chart. The Saturn-Neptune conjunction square the stellium of Sun, Venus and Pluto in Pisces give Chopin's music the dreamy yet cohesive quality. Chopin's Virgo Ascendant brings the qualities of discernment and precision to his music which Rubinstein with his Aquarian mind could fully grasp.
One difference between the charts is that in Rubinstein's chart Saturn in the 10th House indicates hard work in front of the public. Rubinstein was 89 at his last performance. Chopin lived a less public life, with no planets near his 10th House, but his legacy is timeless.