[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 33 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2467-S2468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LEON FLEISHER

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. Presdient, this week, one of the indomitable artists 
of our age will take the stage of the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, as 
the great pianist Leon Fleisher teams up with the London Philharmonic 
Orchestra. His range, commanding technique and total sense of the 
music's natural shape and scope will surely captivate the audience. 
This is a fitting occasion to take note of a great artist, teacher and 
humanitarian who, through his playing, has touched the souls of so 
many.
  In the early years of his career, Leon Fleisher astounded audiences 
with a golden sound. His career then seemed tragically cut short when 
he began suffering from a rare neurological condition that rendered his 
right hand unable to play. Instead of withdrawing from the musical 
world, Leon Fleisher remained in close contact with music through 
conducting, teaching and playing scores specially written for pianists 
who lost use of their right hands. He persisted in the effort to play 
the full concert repertoire, and some novel medical treatments 
eventually helped him regain full use of both hands.
  It is a classic American journey, tracing a path out of despair to 
triumph. In Leon Fleisher's sense of determination, dedication, vision 
and skill, there is much for all of us to both admire and emulate. My 
wife Marcelle and I were delighted to sit next to him at a reception 
that honored his lifetime of achievement. We thoroughly enjoyed

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getting to know this stately and cordial artist, a man of great 
intelligence, modesty and warmth.
  Leon Fleisher has been playing across the country with full use of 
his hands for several years now. We are fortunate to be able to hear 
again how he plumbs the depths of every musical score, revealing 
something about ourselves through his music making. I know the Senate 
joins me in congratulating and recognizing Leon Fleisher's incredible 
contributions to the vibrant cultural fabric of our country.

                          ____________________