In the autumn of 2018, pianist Nicolas Hodges experienced uncontrollable shaking in his body. He mentioned it during a routine doctor’s appointment in Tübingen, Germany, where he resides. The doctor believed it was likely due to stress but suggested that an appointment with a neurologist should be made. Initially, Hodges didn’t immediately schedule the appointment. However, in January 2019, the shaking caused him to play a wrong note during a performance, leading him to realize he needed to find out the cause. Dr. Klaus Schreiber, a neurologist and a lover of classical music, observed Hodges perform certain physical tasks before recommending a series of tests that confirmed Hodges had Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Schreiber estimated that Hodges had been performing with the disease for three years. As a well-known interpreter of contemporary classical music, Hodges has had to adjust his performing commitments due to his symptoms. Although he sometimes experiences severe symptoms that make it difficult to play the piano, the diagnosis has also reinforced his dedication to his artistry and the contemporary repertoire. Hodges’ physical limitations have forced him to make aesthetic choices, selecting which music to commission and perform with greater rigor. This diagnosis has made him further focus on what aspects of his career are most important to him. Despite his condition, Hodges possesses exceptional technique and the ability to make even complex pieces clear in their structure. His piano tone can shift in seconds, ranging from sharp to gentle. He adapts well to the diverse visions of contemporary composers and has performed various challenging pieces. In 2020, Hodges recorded “A Bag of Bagatelles,” which combines works by Beethoven and collaborator Harrison Birtwistle. The juxtaposition reveals the intricate and unpredictable nature of music by two composers from different eras. Hodges was born in London in 1970 to a father who worked at the BBC and a mother who was an opera singer. He began playing the piano at a young age and composed his first piece at 9. Hodges attended Christ Church Cathedral School in Oxford, where he received lessons on various instruments in addition to the piano. As a secondary school student at Winchester College in Hampshire, Hodges was introduced to contemporary music by pianist and composer Benjamin Morison. They performed together, showcasing their talents to teachers and peers. Hodges also attended a seminar with composer Morton Feldman, who emphasized the importance of the experimental avant-garde. He briefly contemplated pursuing composition but ultimately decided to focus on the piano. He studied under Sulamita Aronovsky, who inspired him to persevere through challenges. Hodges has since performed as a soloist with prestigious orchestras and premiered numerous works, both as a soloist and in chamber music settings. His diagnosis evoked conflicting feelings. At first, Hodges was optimistic, believing he would triumph over the illness. However, he eventually felt relieved to have a clear diagnosis and found relief in the medication prescribed by Dr. Schreiber. Balancing his performing commitments has been challenging, and he has had to make difficult decisions. He recently decided to withdraw from Trio Accanto, an ensemble he has been a part of since 2012, due to the logistical demands and physical toll it takes on him. Hodges has learned to carefully manage his medication schedule to accommodate his concert schedule, often sacrificing and planning around his worst symptoms. Despite his condition, his performances continue to be intense and expressive. Notably, composer Rebecca Saunders plans to write him a new ambitious piece.