Two Hands

Leon Fleisher's "Two Hands" is a remarkable testament to resilience and artistic triumph. Released in 2004, this album marks a significant milestone in Fleisher's career, as it is his first two-handed recording in over three decades. After battling dystonia, a neurological condition that affected the use of his right hand, Fleisher's return to full pianism is nothing short of inspiring.

The album features a diverse and captivating selection of classical pieces, showcasing Fleisher's extraordinary skill and versatility. From the serene beauty of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" to the intricate complexities of Schubert's "Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960," each track is performed with a depth of emotion and technical mastery that only a musician of Fleisher's caliber can achieve. The inclusion of works by composers such as Chopin, Debussy, and Beethoven further highlights the breadth of Fleisher's repertoire and his ability to bring out the essence of each composition.

"Two Hands" is not just a collection of songs; it is a journey through the evolution of classical piano music, guided by one of the most respected pianists of our time. Fleisher's nuanced interpretations and impeccable technique make this album a must-listen for anyone appreciating classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Leon Fleisher or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a profound and enriching listening experience.

Leon Fleisher, born in San Francisco in 1928, was an American classical piano virtuoso, conductor, and esteemed pedagogue, renowned for his profound musical intelligence and refined artistry. Fleisher began his piano journey at the tender age of four, and by nine, his prodigious talent was already evident. His career took a significant turn when he met conductor George Szell in the mid-1940s, marking the beginning of a legendary artistic collaboration.

Fleisher's career was marked by both triumph and challenge. He rose to prominence as a child prodigy in the 1940s, but in his 30s, he faced a sudden and mysterious loss of function in his right hand, which temporarily halted his piano career. However, Fleisher's resilience and adaptability led him to explore conducting and teaching, where he continued to inspire generations of musicians.

Throughout his life, Fleisher was celebrated for his thoughtful and transcendent approach to music, using his formidable technique to present the music itself with clarity and depth. His legacy as one of the most refined and transcendent musicians the United States has ever produced endures, inspiring both classical enthusiasts and aspiring pianists alike.

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Tracks

More albums by Leon Fleisher

Brahms: Concerto 1 - Fleisher

Brahms: Liebeslieder-Walzer, Op. 52 - Schubert: Der Hirt auf dem Felsen, D 965

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15 & Piano Sonata No. 7 in D Major, Op. 10 No. 3

Vaughan Williams, Beethoven & Brahms: Orchestral Works

Fleisher & Beethoven: Perfect Match

Leon Fleisher - Brahms, Franck, Rachmaninov

Leon Fleisher Live, Vol. 4

Leon Fleisher Live, Vol. 3

Leon Fleisher, Vol. 2: Brahms & Mozart

Leon Fleisher, Vol. 1: Brahms & Mozart

Walter conducts Mozart

George Szell: Concertos & Symphonies

Mozart, Debussy, Mendelssohn & Beethoven: Orchestral Works

Klemperer Live: Cologne Vol. 6 — Concert 27 February 1956

Lucerne Festival Historic Performances: Annie Fischer & Leon Fleisher

Four Hands

All the Things You Are

Hindemith: The Four Temperaments, Five Pieces, Op. 44, No. 4, Trauermusik for Viola and Strings

Mozart: Piano Concertos

Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 12, 23 & Concerto for 3 Pianos

Great Interpreters: Otto Klemperer

Schumann: Song Cycles, Op. 24, 42, & 48

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 29, 40 & Piano Concerto No. 25

Leon Fleisher Beethoven Piano Concertos 2 and 4

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4, Opp. 19 & 58

Leon Kirchner - Works for Solo Piano

Brahms: String Quartets & Piano Quintet

Korngold & Schmidt: Music for Strings & Piano Left Hand

Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Leon Fleisher Recital

Piano Concertos for the Left Hand

BRAHMS: PIANO CONCERTO No. 2; BEETHOVEN: PIANO CONCERTO No. 4

Laderman: Concerto for Orchestra - Britten: Diversions, Op. 21

Schubert: Fantasy in C Major, D. 760 "Wandererfantasie" & Piano Sonata No. 13 in A Major, D. 664

Copland: Piano Sonata - Sessions: From My Diary - Kirchner: Piano Sonata - Rorem: 3 Barcarolles

Brahms: Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Op. 83

Brahms: Liebeslieder Walzer, Op. 52; Schubert: The Shepherd On the Rock, Op. 129

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3

Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1-5

Liszt: Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178 - Weber: Piano Sonata No. 4, Op. 70 & Aufforderung zum Tanze, Op. 65

Grieg & Schumann: Piano Concertos

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini - Franck: Symphonic Variations - Ravel: Alborada del gracioso

Mozart: Piano Sonatas Nos. 10, 4 & Rondo in D Major, K. 485

Debussy: Suite Bergamasque; Ravel: Sonatine, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales & Alborada del Gracioso

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 58 - Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 25, K. 503

The Essential Leon Fleisher

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini, Op. 43; Franck: Symphonic Variations For Piano And Orchestra; Delius: Prelude to "Irmelin"

Leon Fleisher Plays Beethoven & Brahms

Brahms: Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24; Waltzes, Op. 39

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About Leon Fleisher

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