2. A Lifelong Companion | Leon Fleisher and Brahms's First Concerto

What does it mean to live a life with a piece of music? Leon Fleisher made his Carnegie Hall debut performing the Brahms D Minor Piano Concerto, and played the piece many times throughout his life. But, in a story that is now well-worn, Fleisher developed focal dystonia at the peak of his career, limiting his use of his right hand for the next 30 years. In this episode, we draw parallels between the piece that Fleisher considered his "lifelong companion," the adversity he faced, and the constructive ways in which he responded to it.

Hosted and created by Lowry Yankwich. Produced by Ben Laude, tonebase. Visit tonebase.co for more information.