Brazilian Pianist Joao Carlos Martins

João Carlos Martins was on his way to becoming the greatest pianist of his generation. One critic said, "He has a tiny brain in each of his fingers." Best interpretation of Bach? The argument is still Gould versus Martins.

Martins lost the use of both his hands after a mugging, concussion, and a botched operation. If this was a particularly bitter pill to swallow, he never let on. Instead, Martins immediately turned to composing, conducting. Oh yes, and he taught himself to play Bach with what he had left -- three tiny brains instead of ten.