Ignace Paderewski, the famous Polish pianist, made his first tour of the U.S. in 1891. He soon won over American audiences with his powerful playing. In one concert in New York, Paderewski severely injured his hand. The injury, which caused him to lose the use of one of his fingers, left him in constant pain, but he insisted on continuing his tour. In all, he played 107 concerts on that tour.

In 1892, Paderewski returned to the States for a second successful concert tour. At one point on this tour, he injured a finger and it became infected. The wound opened up during one of his concerts, but Paderewski continued playing with just as much force and passion as ever. At the end of the concert, the piano keyboard was covered in blood. (1)

I thought of Paderewski's blood-stained piano when I…