Leon
Heart of The Keys
Fleisher
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Biography In the early 1950s Leon Fleisher was one of the most renown pianists in the world. In 1964 Fleisher lost the use of his right hand, due to a neurological condition that was eventually diagnosed as focal dystonia. In 1967, Fleisher commenced performing and recording the left-handed repertoire while searching for a cure for his condition. Leon Fleisher showed the world that even through things in your life may change or set you back. You can always change the outlook and take hold and create your own future. Though this is why I see him as a very significant person. It is inspiring to see someone that lost the ability to do something fully, and to never give up and keep pushing to be great. He created the left-hand repertoire and was able to create beautiful music with just one hand.
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Monument Design
I envision the monument to be an iron grand piano, with a large glass globe sitting in the middle of main lid, with flame, like a lantern. This fire would represent the heart of his music that touched those who have heard his music and touch the people that he had taught. Though this flame it would help inspire though who are struggling to find inspiration.
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“If I sat on the edge of the world, would I hear the music the clouds make? Listen for the piano to carry your soul away.” -Ricky Nix
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Teaching Career & Conducting
Leon Fleisher continued to be involved in music, conducting and teaching for more than 60 years at Johns Hopkins University, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He was also closely associated with the Tanglewood Music Center. With Dina Koston, he co-founded and co-directed the Theater Chamber Players in 1968–2003, which was the first resident chamber ensemble of the Smithsonian Institution and of the Pedagogy.
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Awards & Recognition
Through out his career he was awarded and recognized for his success. Below is a list of awards he was awarded. • 1952: Gold medal of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition • 1992: Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences • 1994: Instrumentalist of the Year, by Musical America • President’s Medal of the Johns Hopkins University • 2006: Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters by the Minister of Culture of the French government • 2007: Kennedy Center Honors • 2010: Instrumentalist of the Year, by the Royal Philharmonic Society
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Location 1 The first location of the monument would be on the George Mason Fairfax Campus. I believe that a great location for the monument would be near the pond on Mason Pond Drive. This would add a little more wonder to the view of the pond. The flame in the globe would send a reflection in the water at night inspiring the studens as they take a late night walk.
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“You will never get the answer until you listen to what you do, and ‘til you really hear the music and make a decision, make a choice for what you want to hear, for what you think the music is saying. It’s all so much more in your hands than you think.” -Leon Fliesher
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Location 2 The second I would choose to be placed in Baltimore along the board walk. I would choose Baltimore, MD because that is where he lived and died. This would give his friends, studentsand family to place to see how much he inspired people to be their best.