The classical world continuously beholds the birth of "just out of the crib" prodigies. Lang Lang, the new and upcoming young Chinese pianist, began piano at the age of 3 and won his first competition at the age of 5. History also shows us that Mozart had the genius to be able to learn and play the piano, violin, and organ at the age of 3. However, the term "prodigy" tends to die quickly by the time the musician has reached a reasonable age, where they seem to be regared on the same plane of mediocrity with other pianists at the same skill level. Thus, perhaps the most influential pianists of our time are those who still play with such talent and skill at an elderly age. One of the most adept examples is Vladimir Horowitz.
Towards the end of his life, Horowitz gave one of his last public performances in his late eighties at Carnegie Hall. Recorded on CD, it is has become a lasting testament to his genius, incredible dexterity and powerful sonority. It is too hard to believe that the sound captured on CD is the physical, mental, and emotional genius of a person that society may deem, superficially, as a "frail" old man. His legendary testament to piano has created a passionate following, and it is here that prodigious skills makes its most profound impact, perhaps not at the beginning of life, but at the end.
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