need to add title here

Derek

August 1, 2010 5:00 PM

Lesley Stahl profiles British musical savant Derek Paravicini, whose computer-like memory for music is matched by his creative abilities to play it in any style.

Lesley Stahl catches up with a musical savant
Add a Comment
by Brian1121 August 12, 2010 6:00 PM EDT
What is so incredible is not just Derek's phenomenal piano skill but what appears to be a comparable friendly demeanor. He loves people. If we cannot commit to practicing the piano we should at least strive to be nicer to each other. Derek role-models this all the time!
Reply to this comment
by jmichael07 August 5, 2010 1:22 PM EDT
Jesus, how absolutely and gloriously amazing!!! LOL =D =D =D The phenomena and experience of life is so much better than the mere science of those who would wish to exploit/distill it for and to "simpler" understandings. =) What a gift of the Highest order is music. Thank you Derek, and thank you 60 Minutes! And, of course, because you can't or won't say it...heh =) "Most Absolutely...Glory to the Most High!" He shows us inspiring mysteries everyday to live and breath His wonder by sheer faith. Nothing, nothing is impossible with God, even if some stupidly refuse to believe it!!! =D
Reply to this comment
by jam134 August 5, 2010 12:11 PM EDT
I think jaysea 32 is mistaken.

DNA sequencing for Derek would probably show very little.

Since Derek had a difficult birth (at least I believe that's what I heard in the piece), he probably had some brain trauma at that time. His injury is probably more physical and not genetic. So DNA sequencing is not going to shed light on the genetic basis of his capabilities.

One interesting area for research would be a scan of his brain showing what areas were active as he plays or does variations on a theme would yield some interesting information on the areas of human brains that are related to his abilities.

Derek's case would be of more interest to Dr. Oliver Sacks than to a geneticist.

By the way, a "60 Minutes" interview with Dr. Oliver Sacks would be GREAT!
Reply to this comment
by damonc2029 August 3, 2010 9:27 AM EDT
I knew a man who couldn't button his shirt but could play a piano just like this. Unfortunately he passed away several years ago, although he did leave behind a number of recordings of his music to his wife and son. He didn't have Derek's blindness (likely the result of being born premature), but he DID have what's called Asperger's Syndrome.
Reply to this comment
by jaysea32 August 2, 2010 2:54 PM EDT
Geneticists need to grab a sample of Derek's DNA for comparison with other "great" musicians to see what is driving this genius.
Reply to this comment
Recent Segments

60MinutesOverTime

60 Minutes Overtime is a weekly web show that begins where the weekly television broadcast ends

  • 48 Hours iPad App

    Big changes for the 2012-2013 season! Watch the current week's episode for FREE up to a week after it airs or subscribe for access to all shows, classic episodes and more!