The details and chronology of this story do not add up. Quite a bit of hyperbole and marketing at work here. Look deeper and pay attention to the details and entire story. Color me highly skeptical, especially as a pianist of what I see and hear here and elsewhere about this man and his "experience".
Below is a link to a 2013 Popular Mechanics article that digs more deeply into the condition, Mr. Amato and others who have experienced similar circumstances.
But that is the thing. He is not a genius. His playing does not reflect the amazing story he relates and sells.
He is a former musician who played guitar, grew up in a family of musicians, had a piano in the home since childhood and just happened to own a baby grand piano when this "miracle" occurred.
His music is trite and pedantic at best, all played in a key that reflects no ability to play anything other than in the key of C, F, and G major. I am not buying it, especially as he keeps overselling it with all the verve of an evangelist mixed with Sigfried and Roy but without the delivery and big cats.
I do not disagree with you regarding this particular person. He is definitely selling it with an intent to profit and I think that was pointed out in the article. I might be more interested if he had big cats.
I do think the condition in general is somewhat fascinating. I smacked my head very hard in a drunken sledding accident while in college. All I got was a headache and a hangover. Still had to study. Bummer.
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daemon 6 years, 6 months ago
The details and chronology of this story do not add up. Quite a bit of hyperbole and marketing at work here. Look deeper and pay attention to the details and entire story. Color me highly skeptical, especially as a pianist of what I see and hear here and elsewhere about this man and his "experience".
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Razorback 6 years, 6 months ago
Below is a link to a 2013 Popular Mechanics article that digs more deeply into the condition, Mr. Amato and others who have experienced similar circumstances.
https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/when-brain-damage-unlocks-genius-within">https://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/when-brain-damage-unlocks-genius-within
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daemon 6 years, 6 months ago
But that is the thing. He is not a genius. His playing does not reflect the amazing story he relates and sells.
He is a former musician who played guitar, grew up in a family of musicians, had a piano in the home since childhood and just happened to own a baby grand piano when this "miracle" occurred.
His music is trite and pedantic at best, all played in a key that reflects no ability to play anything other than in the key of C, F, and G major. I am not buying it, especially as he keeps overselling it with all the verve of an evangelist mixed with Sigfried and Roy but without the delivery and big cats.
I call bullshit.
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zamoose 6 years, 6 months ago
Interesting! I had no idea -- I was overly-credulous of the story in a Now I Know newsletter from a few days ago.
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Razorback 6 years, 6 months ago
I do not disagree with you regarding this particular person. He is definitely selling it with an intent to profit and I think that was pointed out in the article. I might be more interested if he had big cats.
I do think the condition in general is somewhat fascinating. I smacked my head very hard in a drunken sledding accident while in college. All I got was a headache and a hangover. Still had to study. Bummer.
Reply