Paul Wittgenstein’s daughter embraces “For the Left Hand”
Most of the great concertos for left hand and orchestra – including Ravel’s – were commissioned by Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, whose daughter, Joan Ripley, is featured in “For the Left Hand.”
After watching the film, Ms. Ripley sent this letter to Howard Reich, quoted here in full (with her permission):
Your film ‘For the Left Hand’ is a treasure – well worth waiting for. You captured the soul of the music and the heart of the man.
Norman is a natural. He may excel at concert pieces, but he himself is ‘easy listening.’ Seeing him with school kids, with his friends and family, and hearing him talk about what happened to him made me appreciate him all the more.
My father took a giant step forward proving that being handicapped need not extinguish nor compromise one’s dreams. Hard work, courage, persistence and belief in oneself can indeed keep the flame alive.
Two extraordinary men. So different, yet their two roads converged as one, didn’t they?
Keep well. And keep filming!
All the best, Joan.
