An article in "Bits & Pieces"
tells how Arturo Toscanini was one of
those people who turned a handicap into a
blessing. He was nearsighted and, at 19, was playing cello in a small European orchestra. He couldn't see the music on the stand in front of him,
so he had to memorize it.
One day the orchestra leader became ill and
young Toscanini was the only member of
the orchestra who knew the score. That
evening, he conducted the entire program
without referring to the music. His performance was flawless. The audience applauded enthusiastically.
Other chances to conduct followed, and Toscanini
was on his way. If he hadn't been nearsighted,
he might have continued playing cello instead
of becoming one of the finest conductors
in the world.
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