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Leon Fleischer is music’s comeback kid of 2004. In the mid 1960's, the celebrated American pianist injured his right hand and was forced to switch gears to conducting and teaching as well as performing the left-hand piano repertory. Now after years of rehabilitation, he has returned to playing with both hands, and today, he talks with host John Schaefer about his new recording, titled "Two Hands." Also: What is the next chapter in the historical progression of musical ideas? Is it still possible for a “Big Idea” to energize a critical mass of composers and performers? It sounds like a mouthful, but these questions were recently the basis of a multi-person blog on Artsjournal.com. Today we’re joined by Justin Davidson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning music critic of Newsday, who participated and has some reactions.
Additional Resources:
» Leon Fleischer bio
» Critical Conversation on Artsjournal.com