LEFT HAND FORWARD Piano music for the left hand
The story of piano music for the left hand alone has so far been linked to debates about injury, or the loss of the right hand (or arm), thereby focusing on the circumstances of individual performers rather than the music’s aesthetic qualities.
In this article I want to tell a different story; one of a specialist genre within the vast territory of piano music; one which is so distinct and comprehensive, it offers enough remarkable music to sustain a successful career as a solo, chamber and concerto player – and that is without exploring the considerable potential for commissioning new works!
In terms of solo repertoire, the shape of the left hand (thumb in the higher register) lends itself perfectly to a treble melody and bass-line accompaniment figuration
In my story, the piano repertoire for the left hand need not be compared to that of both hands, because (and this may not be the best of comparisons) a helicopter isn’t a plane, and isn’t meant to be either, although both have a few things in common. My point is that the left-handed piano repertoire is so different, it should be seen as a self-contained approach to working with the instrument. Take Franz Schmidt’s Quintet for Piano left-hand
