What is it like to be a child prodigy, and how does it feel to live with one? This music documentary follows the story of Maddox Marsollek, from Petershagen near Berlin. Maddox began playing the piano at the age of three and a half. Now, he practices three to four hours a day and is practically obsessed with music. He played his first concert in front of an audience at the age of five, and has since gone on to win numerous prizes at various music festivals around the world. His six-year-old brother Miles displays a similar talent—on the violin. Neither attend school; instead, they are both taught at home. It’s a challenge for their single mother to support these highly gifted children, but they can’t live without music. Is life as a child prodigy a blessing or a curse?
At a glance: (00:00) Maddox Marsollek plays the Paganini Variations for Piano, by Isaak Berkovich (00:31) Maddox Marsollek talks about his piano technique (00:39) Maddox Marsollek practices piano at home (01:03) Retrospecitve: Maddox Marsolleck's musical development, prizes and awards (01:54) Simone Marsollek talks about discovering her child's unique talent (02:16) The two brothers practicing at home, Miles on violin, Maddox on piano (02:40) Simone Marsollek talks about the scheduling stress in everyday family life (02:59) Retrospective: The two brother's concerts and competitions (03:17) The Marsolleks' everyday life at home, with school lessons (03:39) Simone Marsollek about Maddox's sharp perceptiveness (04:04) Travelling to piano lessons in Berlin (04:27) Simone Marsollek on prejudice against mothers of gifted children (04:55) Maddox and Miles Marsollek taking lessons from Elisaveta Blumina (05:40) Elisaveta Blumina on developing talent (06:05) Maddox and Miles Marsollek before a concert (06:18) Miles and Maddox Marsollek on their goals (06:25) Maddox and Miles Marsollek play Concertino in Russian Style, by Aleksey Yanshinov
