Saturday, April 16, 2011

Russia's Wunderkind Competitors

A couple of years ago I saw a movie about 4 Russian piano child prodigies, made in 2000.  It showed the talents of 4 children Irina age 8, Nikita 9, Mitya 10, and Elena 16.  Now they are ten years older and have to face the challenges of becoming famous pianists, because these prodigies have grown up.  While they were children they could amaze the public with impeccable ability.  But, once these prodigies grow up they face the challenges to have perfect performances, top prizes for competitions, and just simple luck. 

They have spent numerous hours practicing the piano.  Will it pay off?  The world of classical music has changed according to the director Irene Langman "The innocent simplicity of the early years is long gone by now, and the concert appearances have become rarer. And it’s not just the size of their bodies that has changed: the world of classical music has also changed since then. Performing artists are now expected to act like pop musicians and be as attractive as a Hollywood star. How can all that be combined under one hat alongside physical and spatial precision when performing on stage?" 

I now realize how being a child prodigy is not cracked up as it is to be.  I remember how I longed to be a child prodigy when I was younger.  I knew I was talented for my age, but I knew I lacked the technique on mhy instrument that child prodigies had on theirs.  I kept practicing and practicing in hopes of becoming one, but it wasn't worth it.  I realize that if I was a child prodigy I would of been playing at such a high point and would of had no room to improve.  Not being a child prodigy paid off.  Because last year I started with my new teacher, Sheila  and she is my hero.  Because she helped me improve to the high point I am at now and I owe much of my advanced playing to her. 

Here is the link of the snip of the movie I was talking about.  I haven't seen the 2010 movie yet.  I am getting it soon though.  I will post about how the movie was.  Enjoy! 


Sorry I was not able to get a picture of Elena when she was younger.



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