The idiot savant is an extraordinary being. He challenges our very definition of intelligence and ignorance through his extraordinary abilities. The musical savant especially causes several questions to be raised, such as is musical genius a part of a person's mind or a result of a person's diligence in practice and continued efforts toward greatness.

Dr. J. Langdon Down first used the term `idiot savant' in 1887. At the time, the word `idiot' was used as a medical term referring to a person with an I.Q. below 25 (which is an inaccurate description, since almost all cases of Savant Syndrome occur in persons with an I.Q. of at least 40). "The word savant was derived from the French term `savoir' meaning `to know'" (Treffert). This oxymoron perfectly relates the stark contrast within these individuals, who display remarkable talent in one of five areas: music, art, mathematics (lighting calculations), calendar...