Wednesday, January 14, 2009

8 year old Emma's Recital

Dear Flutists,

Young Emma has done it again; jaw droppingly sophisticated flute playing, performed by memory, from 8 year old Emma Resmini. I think that the youtube video of her performing the Faure Fantasie is particularly stunning:



The things I like about this video:
a) she looks as if she truly loves playing and performing
b) she keeps her pitch well in tune, and doesn't blow sharp
c) she plays by memory
d) she proves that some people are just exponentially faster learners than others.
e) she quite possibly proves that reincarnation of musicians really does happen and that's where prodigies come from...from the past!!ahhahaha! :>D

If you'd like to comment using the comment button below, you can guess as to whether you think she is reincarnating: Rampal, Moyse or other flutist from the last century?
Please do comment if you can get your face to work after it dropped open in awe. :>D

The Pan Magazine on young Emma states that she:
- started at the age of 3 after hearing a flute concert
- took 20 minute long Suzuki Flute lessons to start
- took 2 months to produce a reliable sound
- at the end of one year of lessons was up to 60 minute lessons and had completed four Suzuki flute books
- comes from a non-musical family

A complete inspiration to those of us who have been playing for almost four decades.

Best, Jen
Comments (15)
Blogger Sheila said...

I don't think my guess at who she is would be a very good one, but I think you have a point, she's got a gift far beyond sheer accelerated learning!!!

Amazing kid, thanks for sharing!!!

Sheila

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 10:48:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rampal, definitely! Close your eyes and you can hear him.

Thursday, January 15, 2009 8:25:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't care who she was in a prior life, in this one she is a gift to us all. Congratulations to her family for recognizing this child's talent and fostering it well. I look forward to hearing her in future concerts and recordings. Remember Sarah Chang?

John

Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:18:00 AM

 
Blogger jen said...

Hi John,
Is Sarah Chang no longer playing?
Jen

Thursday, January 15, 2009 12:40:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Fidi wrote (but it was commented on the wrong topic, so I'll paste it here)
------------
As to Emma, I think there is a lot of WORK in it, too, apart from talent or reincarnation :-) - she must have played that piece a couple of times or even consciously memorized it, which definitely IS an achievement for an eight-year-old, but STILL calls for conscious work and concentration on the piece.

I like to take those examples/exceptions as a motivation for hobby flutists like me :-) - I needn't copy the quality, but I can copy the enthusiasm, which just pushes me a LOT forward, most of all if I see/listen to very young players who just burst with enthusiasm and "quality" of performance.

The reincarnatin idea just leaves oneself hopelessly hopeless.
It conveys "there are just people who are born with a talent and I do not belong to them, so why should I go on?"

Why not take what we can from inspiring examples without aiming to achieve QUITE the SAME level?

Fidi
---------------
Dear Fidi,
I completely agree.
Good points! :>)
Best,
Jen

Thursday, January 15, 2009 5:45:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow! I have watched Emma progress for less than a year... and such a difference. She is amazing for age, because she isn't just playing, and it's obvious she loves what she's doing. She doesn't strike me as a mini "flute great" such as Rampal, or Galway or somebody, but I will be watching. She will become someone great all of her own.

Saturday, January 31, 2009 6:19:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

someone asked:
--------------
Anyways, I kno I'm not supposed to, but Jen, I have a question! I have been playing a 221 Yamaha LFute for 3 years, bought it used. I want an upgrade, and I have been reading ur articles. I want to go for the Yamaha 500 series, what model do I need, though? Thanks!
--------------------
Dear anonymous, you don't want to fixate on a certain model until you try several different brands and models in your price range.
This is all explained in my articles on buying a flute. see:
http://www.jennifercluff.com/buying.htm

Yes, you may wish to buy a Yamaha 500 now, but wait until you try Azumi 3000, Muramatsu GX, Sankyo Silver Sonic, or other brands in this price range first.

Sunday, February 01, 2009 7:57:00 PM

 
Blogger junghiwon said...

8 years old...wow. I hadn't even started playing the flute when I was 8.
got some catching up to do :P

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 11:55:00 AM

 
Anonymous Wendy Taanman said...

She is indeed very gifted, wow... I am impressed.

Warm greetings,

Wendy Taanman
Netherlands

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 12:09:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Anonymous wrote:
------------
I've rarely heard such a mature tone and sophisticated phrasing from anyone under university level, let alone an 8-year-old. However, most wind players don't begin serious training until they are 8 or 9 due to physical limitations. Wouldn't extensively practicing at such a young age pose some hazards to Miss Resmini's health later in life?
------------
Dear Anon,
I've never actually heard of young woodwind prodigies developing MORE physical problems than teens, but I suppose anything is possible.
Thanks for your comment.
J.

Saturday, August 15, 2009 8:45:00 PM

 
Blogger Sue said...

Thanks for having this info on Emma. At the 2009 NFA convention, while the adults were occupied, I had to the chance to chat with Emma for a few moments. I found her to be a very normal, happy child, who simply plays for the joy of playing - a great lesson for all of us! I wonder where we would all be if we never procrastinated or made excuses, or ditched practice!

I love hearing her on youtube and am very grateful that in this day and age we all have a chance to hear this amazing little girl with the gorgeous sound.
Sue

Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:48:00 PM

 
Blogger jen said...

Thanks for the news Sue. That's wonderful news indeed, that young Emma "just loves to play".
Wow. Thanks for writing.
Jen :>)

Thursday, August 27, 2009 6:54:00 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Most people learn music by focusing on the techniques and forget to enjoy the music.

Emma certainly enjoys and flows with the music she present.

Food for thought for everyone...

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:58:00 AM

 
Anonymous Ken said...

I am a trumpeter but learned the flute in college. I know how much air the flute takes -- it is just amazing how efficient Emma is with her air. Really something to think about. You don't need a ton of air, but you sure do need to use what you have efficiently. -Ken

Sunday, January 17, 2010 3:45:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

True inspiration! Wow! She certainly is gifted but I'm sure is extremely dedicated and hard working. To remember the pieces as well - two gifts in one I would say - or even a whole chocolate box full of gifts! I will be following her for sure.

Thursday, February 08, 2018 3:09:00 AM

 

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