[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E868-E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LEON FLEISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor pianist and 
conductor Leon Fleisher on the occasion of his 80th birthday. His 
musical contributions have touched the people of Maryland for many 
years, and the story of Leon's life is a testament to both the 
inspirational power of music and the indomitable nature of the human 
spirit. As a young man, Leon was acclaimed as a once-in-a-generation 
musical talent, and by his mid-twenties, Leon had become one of the 
world's most-respected and sought-after piano soloists, creating a 
number of timeless interpretations of classic works that are admired to 
this day.
  When a rare neurological condition stripped him of the use of his 
right hand, he refused to allow the condition to limit his work and 
continued to contribute to classical music. As a conductor and 
director, Leon inspired and energized other musicians from such 
distinguished organizations as the Baltimore Symphony, the Annapolis 
Symphony Orchestra, the Peabody Conservatory, the Royal Conservatory of 
Toronto, and the Kennedy Center's Theater Chamber Players. As a 
teacher, Leon imparted his own knowledge, passion, and skill to many 
musicians who now carry the weight of his musical legacy. As a 
performer, Leon performed the definitive left-handed interpretations of 
numerous works, inspiring many composers to create new works for the 
previously underutilized left hand.
  After years of special treatments, Leon returned to Carnegie Hall in 
a truly inspiring culmination of years of determined effort. The 
recipient of countless awards and accolades, Leon Fleisher has been a 
true gift to the people of the 3rd district of Maryland, and the field 
of classical music in general. His performances and personal story 
remain powerful, and on the occasion of his 80th birthday, I thank him 
for all he has done, and all he will continue to do, to advance both 
the world of music and the capacity of the human spirit.

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