As we celebrate the birthday of Erich Wolfgang Korngold this month—born May 29, 1897—it’s the perfect time to revisit one of his most intriguing and overlooked works: the “Concerto in C-sharp for the Left Hand,” composed in 1923. Known primarily today for his lush Hollywood film scores and his early operatic success, Korngold, whose papers are held by the Library’s Music Division, was also a brilliant orchestrator and composer of concert music. This concerto, written for a single hand, is a powerful testament to his genius and his gift for drama and melody.
A Work Born of Challenge
Korngold composed the concerto at the request of Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in World War I (WWI). Rather than give up his career, Wittgenstein commissioned a remarkable series of works for the left hand alone from the leading composers of his time—including Ravel, Prokofiev, Britten and Strauss. Korngold was only 26 when he was approached by Wittgenstein, however, he was already widely recognized as a musical prodigy and a major voice in the Viennese scene.
What sets Korngold’s concerto apart is how naturally it conceals the physical limitation of the performance. The music flows with full-bodied textures, sweeping themes, and dramatic interplay between soloist and orchestra. It’s easy to forget that only five fingers are at work on the keyboard—an illusion achieved through Korngold’s virtuosic writing and structural ingenuity.
Romantic Roots, Cinematic Scope
Stylistically, the concerto draws on the late Romantic idiom of Mahler and Strauss, fused with the young Korngold’s unique harmonic language. In many ways, it anticipates the cinematic grandeur that would define his later film scores in Hollywood. The orchestration is rich and often heroic, with a sweeping emotional arc that feels almost operatic.
The single-movement structure moves through several contrasting sections: a turbulent and dramatic opening gives way to a lyrical and tender middle section, followed by a spirited finale. Throughout, the piano is both protagonist and storyteller, navigating virtuosic runs, delicate arpeggios and bold declarations with astonishing expressiveness.
One of Korngold’s remarkable talents was his ability to make the left-hand piano writing sound as full and dynamic as a two-handed performance. He uses the full range of the keyboard, crossing registers and blending rapid passagework with expressive melodic lines. The result is a concerto that feels physically and emotionally expansive—far beyond the supposed limitations of its format.
A Personal and Historical Snapshot
It is important to hear this work not only as a piece of concert music but also as a human response to trauma. Wittgenstein’s injury and his determination to continue performing reflect a larger cultural moment in post-WWI Europe—a time of reckoning, rebuilding, and artistic reinvention. Korngold’s contribution to Wittgenstein’s cause shows how art can adapt and even thrive under constraint.
For Korngold himself, the concerto marks a transitional moment. Within a decade, political upheaval would force him to leave Vienna and begin his now-legendary career in Hollywood. There, he would redefine film scoring with classics like “The Adventures of Robin Hood” and “Kings Row.” But this concerto, written in the heart of Europe, captures the essence of his early brilliance—rooted in Viennese tradition, but already gesturing toward the bold, emotive storytelling that would become his trademark.
Rediscovery and Appreciation
For many years, Korngold’s non-film music was overshadowed by his Hollywood legacy. But in recent decades, performers and audiences have rediscovered his concert works, revealing their depth, beauty and originality. The “Left Hand” Piano Concerto is a standout example: a piece that bridges eras and genres, and that continues to captivate both pianists and listeners with its richness and invention.
As we honor Korngold’s legacy on his birthday, this concerto reminds us of the power of resilience, artistry and reinvention. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, it’s a thrilling entry point into the world of one of the 20th century’s most fascinating composers.
Materials related to Korngold and Wittgenstein are available for researchers through the Performing Arts Reading Room. Please contact the Music Division through Ask a Librarian for more information.