title: Paul Wittgenstein's right arm and his phantom: the saga of a famous concert pianist and his amputation.
abstract: Reports of postamputation pain and problems linked to phantom limbs have increased in recent years, particularly in relation to war-related amputations. These problems are still poorly understood and are considered rather mysterious, and they are difficult to treat. In addition, they may shed light on brain physiology and neuropsychology. Functional neuroimaging techniques now enable us to better understand their pathophysiology and to consider new rehabilitation techniques. Several artists have suffered from postamputation complications and this has influenced not only their personal life but also their artistic work. Paul Wittgenstein (1887-1961), a pianist whose right arm was amputated during the First World War, became a famous left-handed concert performer. His case provides insight into Post-World War I musical and political history. More specifically, the impact on the artistic life of this pianist illustrates various postamputation complications, such as phantom limb, stump pain, and especially moving phantom. The phantom movements of his right hand helped him develop the dexterity of his left hand. Wittgenstein played piano works that were written especially for him (the most famous being Ravel's Concerto for the Left Hand) and composed some of his own. Additionally, several famous composers had previously written for the left hand.
authors: Department of Neurology, George Washington University Medical School, Washington, DC, USA. Electronic address: fboller@mfa.gwu.edu.
authors: François
authors: F
authors: Boller
authors: Genolier Swiss Medical Network Neurocenter, clinique Valmont, Glion/Montreux, Switzerland.
authors: Julien
authors: J
authors: Bogousslavsky
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000266:history*; D001132:Arm; D003405:Creativity; D005197:Famous Persons; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010591:Phantom Limb / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Paul Wittgenstein; Phantom limb; artistic realization; moving phantom; piano music for the left hand; stump pain