One-Handed Pianist Reworks WW1 Song in Tribute to Veterans

One-handed pianist Nicholas McCarthy has reworked the classic First World War song Roses of Picardy in tribute to the veterans.

The song Roses of Picardy was a nostalgic song from the Great War era and brought comfort to soldiers in the trenches and their families back home.

Nicholas McCarthy, 25, who has reworked the song, was born without a right hand but was always determined to achieve his dream of becoming a concert pianist.

While studying at the Guildhall, Nicholas learned of a repertoire for one handed performers which were penned in the years after the First World War.

Most of that music was written for Austrian pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in the war. He also reworked classics like Bach’s Ave Maria.

The influence of Wittgenstein was so important that Nicholas said he owes his career to the Austrian.

In November, Nicholas will perform Music in Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and Roses of Picardy will be at the heart of his tribute to the First World War veterans.