Paul Wittgenstein had been born into an upper-class Austrian family on November 5, 1887. He grew up in a mansion full of activity and music. His great-uncle, Josef Joachim, was a famous violinist, and as a youth, Paul often accompanied him on the piano. He also studied with Teodor Leschetizky, who had taught many great pianists.
Music critics (评论家) had predicted an admirable future for Paul Wittgenstein as a concert pianist, but that was before he was forced into the Austrian Army near the beginning of World War I. In August of 1914, a bullet broke his right arm and the doctor amputated it.
It seemed Paul's dream of being a concert pianist was over. At first, the thought of playing the piano with one hand seemed a cruel joke. After further reflection, he thought, why not? His depression turned to determination, and he decided that his missing right arm wouldn't end his music career.
Near the end of World War I, Paul gave his first left-handed piano recital (演奏会). The critics were surprised. His playing had improved, they said, despite his missing arm. Paul's strong determination to play concert music inspired great composers to create works intended for the left hand. They were touched by his courage and excited by the challenge of writing music for a one-handed pianist. Paul performed their compositions throughout Europe.
When it was over, the audience rose for a standing applause and cheered wildly. They recognized that a master composer had written a masterpiece for a master artist. A few weeks later in Monte Carlo, Paul again performed the concerto, and again he received high praise.
The Concerto for the Left Hand, which Maurice Ravel wrote for Paul, has become part of musical history. Great pianists everywhere perform it. But it's more than wonderful music — it is also a monument (见证) to the courage and persistence of a man who could have given up because of his injury, but didn't.
