Russian teenager born without hands plays the piano… and nails it

Toby Meyjes

Alexey Romanov was born without hands but did that stop him playing the piano? No, it didn’t.

Did that stop him becoming really, really good at it? No, it didn’t
Should you watch this video if you are having a bad day and are devoid of inspiration? Yes, definitely.
The 15-year-old prodigy, from Zelenodolsk in Russia, has been recorded here playing River Flows in You by South Korean pianist Yiruma.

In the video that was shot last month he plays the entire song despite having no fingers to press the keys.

Alexey Romanov taught himself to play the piano (Picture: Jukin)

If that wasn’t impressive enough, it turns out Alexey taught himself to play the instrument by simply listening to how the chords should sound.
To showcase his talent he recently played a concert with the Kazan Chamber Orchestra La Primavera, where the conductor was so taken aback that he had to sit down in surprise.
But it’s not just in this part of his life that Alexey excels despite his disability.

He uses his own hands for pretty much everything, including drawing and farm work.
Oh yeah, and he only has one leg.
Is there such a thing as can’t? Just ask Alexey