Enfants prodiges have always been present in classical music: Mozart, Mendelssohn and Liszt were astonishing pianists and composers already at 12 year-old, and their artistic growth kept the excellent results of their early age. But it is not always the case. Today we can see several children or teens who can play the piano or the violin with an astonishing technical control, but this does not always bring to a great artistic career. The following article on The Independent looks into this problem and also raises important questions regarding the interaction between a early intense musical practice and the presence (or absence) of true artistic goals and achievements.
Without doubts, today musicians are doing more advanced things at a younger age than ever before. But is early achievement being valued over real artistry? And what happens when they grow up?