![]() The term prodigy comes from the Latin prodigium and originally connoted "monster" or "evil omen," but its meaning in modern usage is that of "an extraordinarily precocious child." Prodigies occur only in music, chess and mathematics, disciplines characterized by complex rule structures that do not depend upon life experience - as do writing and painting. "But I've never heard of anything like it, and neither has anyone else I know." "I don't like to say that anything is unheard of," says Lenti about Kissin's early achievements. ![]() Vincent Lenti, director of the Eastman School of Music's preparatory division and a nationally recognized expert on teaching musically gifted children, says that an untutored 6-year-old able to improvise with complicated harmonies and to play by ear music as challenging as Chopin's A-flat Ballade is beyond rare. He was also the most prodigiously gifted child she had ever encountered. "He was a little, little boy, with big wide eyes and curly, curly hair," says Kantor, 72, as she draws imaginary saucers around her eyes and pats imaginary curls piled high over her head. What does impress is a large collection of books - Kissin reads voraciously in both English and Russian - and a large number of records and CDs, including many historical performances, which reflect the pianist's interest in the old-fashioned virtues of open-heartedness and beautiful sound that distinguish his own playing. The living room is furnished with an unpretentious sofa and rug the dining room is only an alcove off the hall that connects the kitchen to the living room. A visit to their large apartment on the upper West Side does not reveal the kind of lifestyle one expects of a pianist whose fees range from $25,000 to $40,000. New York is now home to Kissin and his close-knit family, which includes his first and only teacher, Anna Kantor. The New York Times called Kissin's Tchaikovsky Concerto the best the city - classical music's international crossroads - had heard in years. But Elisha still loves to perform and share his talent with others.His appearance tonight in Meyerhoff Hall caps a busy season that began last fall with a performance of Tchaikovsky's First Concerto that opened the Carnegie Hall season and was later broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances" series. This is one child piano prodigy that has a bright future ahead of him, one that will continue to bring joy to people through beautiful music!Įlisha really hasn’t gotten use to the popularity that has come his way, and he gets embarrassed when fans ask to take pictures with him. But Elisha still loves to perform and share his talent with others. He also enjoys playing chess.Įlisha really hasn’t gotten use to the popularity that has come his way, and he gets embarrassed when fans ask to take pictures with him. He likes playing football outside and riding his bicycle and scooter. Even with the fame from his incredible talent, Elisha still has a normal childhood. Just like Mozart, music comes from Elisha’s soul. He also has an extraordinary ear for music, and Elisha deeply feels the music as well. His piano teacher says that Elisha’s wide, soft, and flexible hands are great for playing the piano. His mother said that he would be active in her womb whenever he heard classical music. ![]() But the eight-year-old showed interest in music even before he was born. ![]() His delicate, little fingers move quickly across the piano keys to make the most beautiful sound.Įlisha began to receive professional piano training at four years old. His talent is incredible! It is mesmerizing to watch Elisha play, and it is clear that he is very passionate about the music he is playing. The orchestra behind Elisha starts to play, and soon, he starts playing a beautiful melody on the piano. He pulls up the piano bench very closely to the keys and has to sit improperly on the bench in order to reach the pedals. ![]() In this video of one of his performances, Elisha walks out on stage in a little tuxedo as the audience is clapping and cheering for him as he bows and walks to the piano. ![]()
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