Comments on: Child Prodigies: Inspiration and Youth http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/2008/07/child-prodigies-inspiration-and-youth/ Thoughts on theater in the Bay Area Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:09:26 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Jolene http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/2008/07/child-prodigies-inspiration-and-youth/comment-page-1/#comment-548 Jolene Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:40:52 +0000 http://saturdaymatinee.wordpress.com/?p=506#comment-548 Hi Maria, I totally agree - I guess I just don't trust the people around them? And if you hear the way that prodigy Marc Yu spoke, talking about having lots of friends, and fun, it just felt too contrived as if someone trained him to say those things. I think it's a tough call - perhaps some kids start out being forced, but then fall in love with it later and was glad of that they practiced growing up. Thanks for commenting! Hi Maria, I totally agree – I guess I just don’t trust the people around them? And if you hear the way that prodigy Marc Yu spoke, talking about having lots of friends, and fun, it just felt too contrived as if someone trained him to say those things. I think it’s a tough call – perhaps some kids start out being forced, but then fall in love with it later and was glad of that they practiced growing up.

Thanks for commenting!

]]> By: Maria http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/2008/07/child-prodigies-inspiration-and-youth/comment-page-1/#comment-549 Maria Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:15:19 +0000 http://saturdaymatinee.wordpress.com/?p=506#comment-549 I saw Lang Lang when he was still a child prodigy (now he's just a prodigy!) and was blown away. To this day I hold the experience in my mind as the most sensitive, nuanced, and beautiful piano playing I've ever heard. That said, I'm also uneasy about child prodigies. As amazing as they may be in concert, one sincerely hopes that they have good people around them, non-controlling but protective parents, and a reasonable touring schedule that leaves them plenty of time to get an eduction and cultivate friendships. One has to wonder how many of these kids have slave-driving stage parents from hell. I saw Lang Lang when he was still a child prodigy (now he’s just a prodigy!) and was blown away. To this day I hold the experience in my mind as the most sensitive, nuanced, and beautiful piano playing I’ve ever heard.

That said, I’m also uneasy about child prodigies. As amazing as they may be in concert, one sincerely hopes that they have good people around them, non-controlling but protective parents, and a reasonable touring schedule that leaves them plenty of time to get an eduction and cultivate friendships. One has to wonder how many of these kids have slave-driving stage parents from hell.

]]> By: Jolene http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/2008/07/child-prodigies-inspiration-and-youth/comment-page-1/#comment-547 Jolene Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:41:05 +0000 http://saturdaymatinee.wordpress.com/?p=506#comment-547 I too am really enjoying Gaffigan's take on things, especially the more cliched pieces - he really brings out aspects of the piece I've never heard before, like a counterpoint or the submelody, and puts a very innovative spin on things. hehe perhaps I can get a picture of him next time?? :) jk My friend and I moved up to the front row for the post performance Off the Podium Q&A with the performers, when an older man started to harass me. He started making fun of me for having a pen (as I was taking notes earlier) and started going off on how perhaps I wanted the autographs of the entire violin section including the people in the back. He even impersonated me asking them for their signature. It would have been good natured ribbing if it had been short, but he kept on going, and I couldn't help but to think, 'He's totally making fun of me'. I heard him making fun of someone else later, as people were lining up for autographs with the two soloists, by telling someone else, "I'll give you my autograph for $10". It was just obnoxious. Fortunately, I've found people at the symphony to be usually well behaved, and it adds a bit of spice to things. I too am really enjoying Gaffigan’s take on things, especially the more cliched pieces – he really brings out aspects of the piece I’ve never heard before, like a counterpoint or the submelody, and puts a very innovative spin on things.

hehe perhaps I can get a picture of him next time?? :) jk My friend and I moved up to the front row for the post performance Off the Podium Q&A with the performers, when an older man started to harass me. He started making fun of me for having a pen (as I was taking notes earlier) and started going off on how perhaps I wanted the autographs of the entire violin section including the people in the back. He even impersonated me asking them for their signature. It would have been good natured ribbing if it had been short, but he kept on going, and I couldn’t help but to think, ‘He’s totally making fun of me’. I heard him making fun of someone else later, as people were lining up for autographs with the two soloists, by telling someone else, “I’ll give you my autograph for $10″. It was just obnoxious.

Fortunately, I’ve found people at the symphony to be usually well behaved, and it adds a bit of spice to things.

]]> By: sfmike http://www.saturdaymatineeblog.com/2008/07/child-prodigies-inspiration-and-youth/comment-page-1/#comment-546 sfmike Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:25:42 +0000 http://saturdaymatinee.wordpress.com/?p=506#comment-546 Sorry I didn't stay for the Jupiter. Mozart conducting is tricky business and very few seem to get it right, but I think Gaffigan is one of the rare, lucky ones who just feels it in his bones. And you should definitely write about the creepy person harassing you and others at the Q&A afterwards. It's a funny story. Sorry I didn’t stay for the Jupiter. Mozart conducting is tricky business and very few seem to get it right, but I think Gaffigan is one of the rare, lucky ones who just feels it in his bones. And you should definitely write about the creepy person harassing you and others at the Q&A afterwards. It’s a funny story.

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