July 23, 2026 - Good Morning! It’s Thursday, July 23.
Geza Zichy was born in Hungary on this day in 1849. As a young boy he dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. But then, when he was 15, he lost his right arm in a hunting accident. Sad story. Dream over. But no, with an incredible resolve, Zichy rededicated himself to what was now a seemingly impossible dream. His family and friends, with the best intentions, discouraged him. But his courage and vision catapulted him into an illustrious career on the concert stage. Famous composers wrote for him, for the left hand. And, being a gifted arranger, he reworked many classical piano pieces - for five fingers instead of ten.
Paul Wittgenstein was born in Austria in 1887. He was a child piano prodigy with high hopes and dreams of his own. But in 1917 he was called up as a soldier into World War I, and was shot in the right arm. It had to be amputated. The story of Geza Zichy inspired him, and playing many of the same left hand pieces, he rose to fame. I have a recording of his in my collection and it is truly amazing, a triumph of the human spirit.
Nicholas McCarthy was born in England in 1989. He was born without a right hand. The stories of Geza Zichy and Paul Wittgenstein inspired him to reach for his dream. And today, you can find many examples of his incredible piano artistry on the internet. We’re reminded today that one courageous person has the power to inspire another. Solomon described it, in his Proverbs, as “iron sharpening iron.” And we’re reminded that our Creator has given us the ability, when challenged... to rise.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
