Anton Grigorevich Rubinstein was a Russian pianist, composer and conductor who became a pivotal figure in Russian culture when he founded the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. As a pianist, Rubinstein ranks amongst the great 19th-century keyboard virtuosos. He became most famous for his series of historical recitals—seven enormous, consecutive concerts covering the history of piano music. He wrote 20 operas, the best known of which is The Demon. He also composed a large number of works, including five piano concertos, six symphonies and a large number of solo piano works along with a substantial output of works for chamber ensemble.