Paul Wittgenstein (1887-1961) - Find a Grave Memorial

Musician. A pianist, he was on the threshold of a brilliant career when he lost his right arm during World War I. After the war he continued to give concerts playing with his left hand only, and his talent and determination made him an inspirational figure to the disabled. He is best remembered for commissioning Maurice Ravel's brilliant "Concerto for the Left Hand", which he premiered in 1931; it is the only such work in the standard repertory. Wittgenstein also commissioned (but never performed) Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 4, and Richard Strauss, Paul Hindemith, and Benjamin Britten all wrote works for him to play. Wittgenstein was born in Vienna. He was the older brother of philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. In 1938 he settled in New York City, and became an American citizen in 1946.

Bio by: Bobb Edwards