Rubinstein's activities on behalf of musical studies in Russia seem part of an important movement in the Romantic era. It would be very interesting to compare these visions as well as compare them with the actual institutions that exist today. Much could still be learned from these musical visionaries, in respect of what still needs to be done, what need not be done and what was never done. Rubinstein has the merit of having turned his visions into a semblance of reality, in spite of opposition and myriad difficulties. Rubinstein was pianist, composer, conductor, author, administrator, teacher and political activist.
All reports indicate a gigantic technique at the service of an equally gigantic spirit.
That the latter often overwhelmed the former was considered a trifling accident of the weakness of matter in the face of spirit. We can never know what his performances were really like. We can never know. That is all. As a conductor Rubinstein was not likely as great as he was as a pianist, but he made up for his lack of technique by his commitment to performing the best and the new.