Itzhak Perlman extends virtuosity

When Itzhak Perlman appears in recital, music lovers hear aviolinist who has been called one of the all-time masters of hisinstrument.

But Perlman also will perform a feat of virtuosity that no onewill applaud. Stricken with polio at age 4, Perlman wears metalbraces and walks onstage with crutches. He must execute theintricate maneuver of changing from a standing position to sitting ona chair where he will perform.

It is a crucial moment when any false move or misjudgment ofbalance could mean disaster. Feet must be perfectly pointed,crutches exactly aligned, the chair strategically positioned. Oneslight miscalculation and he could fall on his face.

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