Arthur B. Rubinstein, American pianist, composer, and conductor

Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein (March 31, 1938 – April 23, 2018) was a distinguished American composer, recognized with an Emmy Award for his prolific contributions to film and television. His career spanned decades, marked by an impressive body of work that included numerous television series soundtracks and memorable film scores, establishing him as a significant voice in cinematic music.

A Collaborative Legacy: Scoring for John Badham

A notable aspect of Rubinstein's career was his frequent and fruitful collaboration with acclaimed film director John Badham. This partnership saw him score a significant majority of Badham's films, creating iconic sonic landscapes for some of the era's most popular movies. Their shared projects include the thought-provoking Whose Life Is It Anyway? (1981), the groundbreaking Cold War-era thriller WarGames (1983), the high-tech action of Blue Thunder (1983), the suspenseful police drama Stakeout (1987), the action-comedy The Hard Way (1991), its sequel Another Stakeout (1993), and the intense real-time thriller Nick of Time (1995).

Innovating Sound: The Blue Thunder Score

Among his many achievements, Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein’s score for the 1983 action film Blue Thunder stands out as a testament to his innovative approach to composition and sound design. At a time when synthesizers were rapidly gaining popularity and capability in the 1980s, Rubinstein pushed the boundaries, using these modern instruments in a sophisticated, symphonic manner. He not only composed, but also conducted and produced the score, meticulously blending the nascent digital sounds of the Synclavier II – an advanced digital computer instrument of its time – with the warmer, analog tones from synthesizers like the Jupiter, the Prophet, and the classic Moog. To achieve a truly unique sonic texture, he famously devised an unusual technique: placing a microphone inside a large, empty water bottle, which he then positioned underneath a Steinway grand piano, capturing an ethereal resonance unlike any other.

Beyond Badham: Other Notable Works

While his work with John Badham was extensive, Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein's talents extended to a wide array of other film and television projects. His diverse filmography includes scores for films such as The Great Bank Hoax (1978), The Great American Traffic Jam (1980), On the Right Track (1981), The Phoenix (1982), Deal of the Century (1983), The Cartier Affair (1984), It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (1984), Lost in America (1985), Murder in Space (1985), The Best of Times (1986), Hyper Sapien: People from Another Star (1986), Love Among Thieves (1987), Once Upon a Texas Train (1988), and Inherit the Wind (1988). On the television front, he contributed to several Season Two episodes of the iconic animated series The Simpsons and scored the TV movie Dead Man's Island (1996). Beyond his prolific scoring career, Rubinstein was also a member of the band The Beepers, showcasing another facet of his musical versatility.

Later Life and Legacy

Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein passed away on April 23, 2018, at the age of 80, after a battle with cancer. His significant impact on the world of music was posthumously recognized when he was honored at the 2019 Grammy Awards, a fitting tribute to a career defined by innovation, collaboration, and a lasting musical legacy as an acclaimed composer of film scores and television soundtracks.

FAQs about Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein

Who was Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein?

Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein (1938-2018) was an American Emmy Award-winning composer renowned for his extensive work on television soundtracks and film scores.

What was Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein famous for?

He was primarily known for his prolific film and television scoring career, particularly his frequent collaborations with director John Badham on films like WarGames and Blue Thunder, and his innovative use of synthesizers.

When did Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein begin his professional composing career?

While his exact debut film or TV project isn't specified, his work started appearing in the late 1970s, with notable scores like The Great Bank Hoax (1978).

What unique musical techniques did he employ?

For the Blue Thunder score, he innovatively combined digital synthesizers like the Synclavier II with analog ones (Jupiter, Prophet, Moog) and famously placed a microphone inside an empty water bottle under a Steinway grand piano to create a distinctive sound.

Was he involved with any bands?

Yes, Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein was also a member of the band The Beepers.

What notable TV shows did he work on?

Beyond numerous TV movies, he composed for several Season Two episodes of the widely popular animated series The Simpsons.

How was Arthur Benjamin Rubinstein honored posthumously?

He was among those honored at the 2019 Grammy Awards following his passing in 2018, recognizing his lasting contribution as a composer.