Editing Anton Rubinstein (section)

===Back to Russia===
The [[Revolution of 1848]] forced Rubinstein back to Russia. Spending the next five years mainly in Saint Petersburg, Rubinstein taught, gave concerts and performed frequently at the Imperial court. The [[Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna (Charlotte of Württemberg)|Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna]], sister-in-law to [[Tsar]] [[Nicholas I of Russia|Nicholas I]], became his most devoted patroness. By 1852, he had become a leading figure in Saint Petersburg's musical life, performing as a soloist and collaborating with some of the outstanding instrumentalists and vocalists who came to the Russian capital.<ref>[[#Sachs|Sachs]], 69</ref>

He also composed assiduously. After a number of delays, including some difficulties with the censor, Rubinstein's first opera, ''[[Dmitry Donskoy (opera)|Dmitry Donskoy]]'' (now lost except for the overture), was performed at the Bolshoy Theater in Saint Petersburg in 1852. Three one-act operas written for Elena Pavlovna followed. He also played and conducted several of his works, including the ''Ocean'' Symphony in its original four-movement form, his [[Piano Concerto No. 2 (Rubinstein)|Second Piano Concerto]] and several solo works. It was partly his lack of success on the Russian opera stage that led Rubinstein to consider going abroad once more to secure his reputation as a serious artist.<ref>[[#Taylor|Taylor]], 27–35.</ref>