Leon Fleisher
Pianist
Once called "the pianistic find of the century." He persevered even after his right hand was afflicted with focal dystonia.
He had a prolific recording career in the 1950s and was revered for his handling of Brahms' and Beethoven's piano concerti.
He premiered Paul Hindemith's 1923 Klaviermusik in 2004, which had originally been written for Paul Wittgenstein who refused to play it but maintained sole performing rights until he and his wife both died.
His family recognized his talents early on, and he began piano lessons when he was four.
He was taught privately by Artur Schnabel, making him one of the few child prodigies who was given such a privilege.