::pick of the week::

TOGETHER AGAIN

The first notes of Leon Fleisher's Two Hands are extraordinary in so many ways. The solo piano music itself is deeply moving--a warm and gentle touch playing the familiar and soothing notes of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." And the very fact that this gifted pianist's two hands are working in concert is itself uplifting. Four more than 35 years, Fleisher's right hand suffered from dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary contractions and can be painful. His search for treatment was not successful. Then recently, as the National Institutes of Health, a doctor began treating his hand with injections of botox (yes, Hollywood's anti-wrinkle med). The 76-year-old is now performing and recording with both hands, his music imbued with the deep emotions of a man too long separated from his true love.
--Marc Silver, U.S. News & World Report

leon fleisher is a name which has been tucked away in my head for many years thanks to linda (my piano teacher). not until reading this article, so carelessly tossed into the lunchroom with the newspaper, better homes & gardens back issues, and the latest job openings, did i realized i had not actually heard m. fleisher perform. thanks to the wonderful conveniences of this modern age, up popped itunes and i had the album at my fingertips within a couple of minutes from the safe harbor of my own home, at my computer, in my pjs.

i am amazed. classical musicians can leave me breathless, or they can earn my fiery wrath. those truly passionate for their art always convey that love, while others may convey plain perfection (if we are so lucky). first and foremost above the technical abilities, in my book, is love. the recording in question is of excellent caliber, the production quality putting one right in the midst of a personal concert to enjoy in the comfort of the home. or the car. or at the computer, as i am experiencing it now.

m. fleisher is not only a lover of his music, he is a master of execution. each note properly expressed, every subtlety defined, every appoggiatura perfectly accented. debussey's "clair de lune" caught me in its grasp so effortlessly that i think i forgot to breathe as the notes wafted through the air. that piece, in particular, seems to be one which all pianists like to include on at least one recording. itunes alone returns a list of 144 songs when i queery that single title, and i'm certain amazon would double that (ok, actually, amazon leaves my imagination in the dust at 499 results, but search queries aren't perfect & there are bound to be a few duplicates there. aside from that, i do believe you get it). point being, few could convey in their entire being what m. fleisher can express with, well, his left hand alone.

mind you, this is not an ability i believe to be limited to classical musicians. no, not in the least.