The World's Greatest Musical Prodigies

Series 1 | Episode 2 | The World's Greatest Musical Prodigies

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In the second programme, sixteen-year-old Alexander Prior goes to Shanghai in search of China's most brilliant piano prodigies.

In recent years, the Chinese have fallen in love with Western classical music, and with the piano in particular: the country now has 30 million piano students.

With help from two piano professors at the Shanghai Conservatory, Alex meets and auditions four astonishing young pianists aged eight to 12.

He then faces the difficult task of deciding which one to choose - and breaking the news to all of the children.

On TV

First Shown

Date Time Channel
Monday 15 June 2009 9PM Channel 4

Last Shown

Date Time Channel
Monday 11 January 2010 4.55AM Channel 4

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Comments

  1. Im wondering if there’s a possibility that Alex Prior has the ability to be both stoic and empathetic The optimist in me thinks there is a chance that Alex took into account the children’s social economic background and felt that this was a much more significant opportunity for jack Although his behavior throughout very much goes against this theory
    Posted by Optimist on 11/01/2010 08:10:39
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  2. HOW TO GET A DVD OF THE COMPLETE PROGRAM - THE WORLD'S GREATEST MUSICAL PRODIGIES?PLEASE EMAIL FOR INFORMATION.
    Posted by Peggy on 04/11/2009 04:44:03
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  3. I agree that Alex is VERY ARROGANT but i do agree with Xuan comment! Aristo was the possible the BEST player (though he did have a lot of competition from Jack in my opinion)but being able to 'control' him in a sense would be a problem. I could see him and Alex clashing to be honest! On a side note, I really need some help guys! In the second episode when Alex goes to China, in the recital performance near the end Zhang (Jack) plays a poem piece by Alexander Scriabin! Does ANYONE know the name of this poem!???? If someone knows please help!
    Posted by Dre on 14/07/2009 18:57:40
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  4. Those of you who "attacks" Alex's personalities...Please Listen up! choosing someone play in this position is similiar to hire someone works for a company, or to choose a player for a position in a football team,those are not always 1 1 = 2 case! As a BOSS, when i hire someone i will always consider his ability & personality to work with others, and also very importantly whether I can "control" him in my company, does his/her ability obershadows my other employees......in this case, Alex - the composer is the BOSS! i am actually quite impressed by his adjugements and matureness, he is the boy knows what he's doing, i will buy tickets to see his work next time! PS: nothing personal towards Aristo Sham, he is no doubt a genius & smart boy, and i dont think he actually needs this programme to become successful, famious, he is actually well-known in Chinese musical world...looking forward to hear his solo in the future
    Posted by Xuan Liu on 30/06/2009 13:08:29
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  5. What what the piece that Aristo performed on stage? I wish to learn it. (:
    Posted by Ross on 23/06/2009 16:05:01
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  6. THIS AWESOME QUITE ONE OF THE BEST PROGGRAMES ON TV.WE NEED MORELIKE THIS. IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A DVD OF THE COMPLETE PROGRAM.PLEASE EMAIL FOR INFORMATION
    Posted by CAROLE MYERS on 22/06/2009 22:11:02
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  7. This is a great show because: 1. We get to see some real and raw talent. 2. Shows this Alex Prior for what he really is - rubbish both musically and socially, so that there is no need to waste money on tickets. Frugality rocks! :-D
    Posted by will walker on 21/06/2009 18:28:39
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  8. What a plonker, Alex that is. He is arrogant and extremely immature - showing his jealousy of any talent. Aristo was way above all of the students and seemed to be the most all-rounded character. He seemed to love life to the full and had other interests besides his music (which is what all musicians worth listening to have in the end). It was Aristo's brilliant improvisation that finished Alex off - you could see the jealousy in his face. Would we go to watch Aristo perform - yes! Would we go to watch one of Alex's creations - I'm afraid not. We look forward to hearing more of Aristo in the future. Shame on Channel 4 for not choosing a kinder, less pompous individual to make a programme about.
    Posted by MARY on 20/06/2009 19:52:26
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  9. Best quote from Episode 2 from one of the four young Chinese pianists when they were discussing who they thought Alexander Prior likes most: - (Referring to Alexander Prior) "... maybe he just likes himself." That sums it up nicely.
    Posted by Roger on 15/06/2009 23:11:59
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Last on:

Tuesday 12 January

4.40AM, Channel 4

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