Alma Deutscher (8) Interview on Intermezzo with Arik (2014)

INTERMEZZO WITH ARIK - interview with Alma Deutscher. Host: Prof. Arie Vardi. Piano: Tal Samnon.
Producer: Mustafa Abu-Ras
Israel Educational Television (5.1.2014)

[@davidkling4663]

I am 82 years of age so I most likely will not be alive to see where she will go as she grows. If you are younger please take the time to appreciate her almost unreal abilities because I think we may be seeing a new master composer.

[@philipmcniel4908]

Well (and I am supposing you are still around, though if you are, perhaps you already know this), I can tell you that this interview was quite some time ago; she is now 18 years old (and was probably 16 when you made this comment), so you can go ahead and check her KZbin channel to see what she's been up to more recently! www.youtube.com/@AlmaDeutscher/videos

[@poolhallshark]

@@philipmcniel4908 I SO hope that David got or will get to see your reply ♥

[@nonnez324]

Noted, I will do what I can to bring attention to her works!

[@tommypais5398]

Sir, may you live long and have happiness good health. Shalom from Israel

[@nancycornett9949]

Such astonishing talent! As well as a sweet personality and sense of humor. I just watched her Cinderella opera and really enjoyed it.

[@dennislaux]

How can you not just fall in love with this child that lives in another world almost no one else knows. The sparkle in her eyes and smile on her face is unmatched and it will be marvelous to watch her grow up. I wish her all good things in life follow her all her days.

[@larisakompelmakher4358]

We are so inspired by her TALENT FROM GOD AND SHE IS DISCRIBING HER WAY OF HEAR MUSIC IN WHOLE STRUCTURE WITH HARMONY....LIKE MOZART..... BLESSINGS TO THAT WONDER GIRL!!!

[@ClandOp]

Probably the most brilliant individual I have seen in any context. Typically musical geniuses can't articulate why or how they perform. Alma has the gift of brilliant articulation as well as brilliant musical composition and performance. I'm struggling to think of anyone else in her universe at 8 years old.

[@Colin5399]

A lot of people have said, "now my faith in humanity is restored." I've suffered from debilitating depression since I was 17. Alma makes me optimistic for the human species. I never thought I'd believe that in my life, let alone say it. Alma is a perceptual overhaul.

[@christopherosborne2453]

You're not on your own alas in your experience, but one slight difference in viewpoint. I still have no faith in the human species but rather in the creator who is shortly to intervene. I have come to learn that the result will be not just brilliant but also permanent. I therefore recommend the next step is to learn the plan. Best wishes and success to you.

[@Colin5399]

@@christopherosborne2453 where can I learn the plan?

[@christopherosborne2453]

@@Colin5399 Sorry Colin I missed your comment.Ask me if you like on [e-mail]

[@absoftitanium]

The world is clearly this child's oyster. She is simply amazing. I love that she is comfortable enough in Hebrew, (she's British by birth), to come onto a TV show in Israel and be interviewed in that language. Her musical proficiency is legend, already writing operas, composing for piano, string quartets, the whole package. I'm brought to tears when I see and hear genius like this.

[@bernios3446]

All that you say, plus, the way she really answered the questions with an intelligence I never heard out from an 8yo girl.

[@joanpascal7745]

Yes this child has worked hard and provides a very unique skill n skillfully plays! Beautiful music! Thank-you for your gift! We are truly blessed 🙌🙏❤

[@LiloUkulele]

Just finished watching her YT "Answering your questions"...it was probably the best musical theory/history lecture I have ever attended...so add lecturer to her legendary skill set

[@passingfancy4682]

That Scalatti sonata, Alma doesn't just play it, she interprets it, she feels it. It's another class of playing altogether. Great to see that Arik understood what he had just heard, and said so.

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

I saw on another review that she plays a Scarlatti piece as if she wrote it. That sums up my thoughts here.

[@patrickpaganini]

Yes - that kind of musical interpretation is extremely rare. Most people play classical music like bored metronomic robots.

[@phillee2814]

@@patrickpaganini Sadly, in many music schools, that is how it is taught. You play exactly what is written as directed by the conductor, and ONLY the conductor is ALLOWED to interpret the music. Players are supposed to be trained mechanical monkeys, and more time is spent teaching players what NOT to do than what works or encouraging exploration. I used to love playing on my violin, but music school was not playing, it was rigid and inflexible and playing was not what it was about - just performing. I remember an occasion when I played a note I thought sounded better and the teacher was livid, just as he was if I played a note more legato than written on the sheet. Any trace of originality is hammered out, and I'm still angry about it half a century later. It stilted my playing for life. If more children were allowed to gravitate towards their talents (and this doesn't just apply to music, but any field) and not hammered into a mould of how someone else tells them what they are allowed to do, we would see more like Alma in this world, and her parents are to be congratulated on allowing her the freedom to explore her own ideas and find her the mentors who would help her instead of forcing her into a pattern. At the same time, they are fortunate to have the means to be able to support her in her passion. Fixed curricula are basically a form of child abuse, and destructive to individuality - but music, like business, doesn't want individuality, does it? No, it wants robots who just do as they are told. Then they complain that workers are not suitably grateful for being paid a pittance for total drudgery.

[@philipmcniel4908]

@@phillee2814 I can't speak from the experience of 50 years of having been taught a certain way (I am not yet 50 years old to begin with), but I think one thing that might help you with the stilted condition you describe--if you have not already tried it--is to try your hand at composing music yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously at first (if ever); just as activities such as drawing or painting are not the exclusive domain of superior talents such as Rembrandt or van Gogh, I am firmly of the opinion that composing should not be saved only for musical geniuses on the level of Bach or Mozart or even Scarlatti, but should be seen as a worthy activity for any musician who would like to try his or her hand at it, and for the same reason. (I feel fairly confident that Alma would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment, whether at the age of 8 or today at the age of 18.) I think that if you were to practice composing music that you enjoy, and as you learned and experienced the process of deciding which notes to write down, you would begin to understand the composer's mindset a bit better, perhaps much better than the average classical musician (or at least classical _teacher_) who seems to think that musical compositions come into the mind of a genius composer "from on high" in their final form, with every note sacrosanct, rather than through a process of rewrites and edits and trying to decide which of several alternatives he likes better. I feel as though writing my own pieces--even short and simple ones compared the works of famous composers--has enabled me to play the established literature with more life and naturalness and even a bit of wit!

[@princessmilagro]

I have watched so many of Alma's videos tonight that my jaws actually hurt from smiling so long. This child is gifted beyond words!

[@caitiepearson3443]

She incredibly talented, and very well and intelligently spoken. It easy to see how brilliant she is just in the way she talks. I also love how modest she seems, and how, despite her abilities way beyond her years, she still is dressed like a little girl.

[@MrDaiseymay]

absolutely, and so vital. Having seen a BBC documentary of her life and family home, she, and younger sister Helen, is well looked after and protected by intelligent parents.

[@cherylgalster9245]

Caitie Pearson Clothes would be all custom made if, in fact, she is physically /physiologically an adult. I am thinking she isn’t. I think she’d still want her childhood and needs children her age.

[@henningandersen9027]

She also refers to herself as a little girl.

[@warrengwonka2479]

Henning Andersen At that age, she said, “Half the time I’m a little girl, and the other half, I’m a serious composer.”

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

Her smile and her facial expression say it all. She is enjoying what she is doing, and brings it across with all the enthusiasm of a happy child. I work in an animal sanctuary park, and she reminds me of the children who see the animals and are so thrilled and want to know everything about them. When I explain to them how the deer 🦌 live, raise their young ones, eat and rest, etc. they take the information up like a sponge. The energy and potential in children is amazing 😍 She probably doesn‘t consider practicing violin or piano as „practice“, it’s rather like playing with dolls for her

[@francobonanni3499]

She did not study many years because of her age but her ability to play both instruments is astonishing just as if she was an adult. Her composition is remarkable. She has all in her head. She did not study so much composition yet her composition is all coming from her imagination as she says. Incredible a genius without any doubt. Thank you.

[@grigoriymendelson927]

❤❤Absolutely pretty angel!Genius, real!Wonder child!Great!

[@Iahudka]

❤i do not have any words, i do not udrestand. Its marvelous and miracle. She is from God, and she hears the melody in ger head. ❤❤❤❤❤ And she can speak many langusges? Wau. God,Jesus Christe bkess you a lot. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Chastonicity]

I saw this one of hundreds of Alma Deutscher videos and, in this one, she is only 8 years old and was invited to Israel for an interview as she has her own music CD at 8 years old. It seems like all the great musicians are fascinated by her astonishing ability to play and improvise on the violin and piano without any errors. I am also fascinated by her mind's ability to "breathe" music and expressed it instrumentally. Interesting how, as an English lass, she can easily speak Austrian German and Hebrew in this video although she switches to English but can easily understand Hebrew.

[@omp199]

It is impressive. In case you are interested, her father is the linguist Guy Deutscher and his first language is Hebrew. He wrote about learning English at school, but he obviously has an immense talent for languages, as his English-language writing is superb, not to mention all the other languages that he has studied. I don't know how much editorial input there is into his books, but they are very well written. Clearly his daughter has inherited much of his talent for languages!

[@gastonflatulenza1276]

Ha ha! I have read that Alma is now learning French! She is extraordinary on every level. She is a world-wide treasure.

[@m.a.3322]

This child is nothing short of a miracle in the midst of humanity. She plays with such integrity and emotional understanding that if you close your eyes, it sounds like a grown adult is playing. Her compositions are so mature & complex that they are comparable to other established composers. Her technique for her age (both piano & violin) is astounding. On top of that she is well-spoken, intellectual and positive! Bless her soul, she is the true definition of a "child prodigy".

[@simplefamilylifeohara5318]

This little girl is the most talented ,sweetest and mature little girl i have ever seen !

[@simplefamilylifeohara5318]

Rachel Burdeau ?

[@studentoftheword6115]

Me too. Who comes close to her is Emily Bear. But Alma blows her away. And Emily Bear is SUPER FANTASTIC COMPOSER.

[@meherhmehta5094]

To call her a prodigy, a genius is true, but not enough. Alma is something beautiful for God, for there is a musical soul in her that is indescribable. I could listen to this delightful charming girl all day and that besides hug her with all my heart.

[@heymennicolaij]

I couldn't say it better. Totally agree. It's Shabbat Shalom put to music.

[@jamesb.9155]

Yes, I don't have much experience with classical western music but watching Alma has awakened my love; of seeing her play her compositions from now on!

[@rpgisaboutlife4396]

No need to bring a god in the equation man. It's already complex enough without gods on our world.

[@extanegautham8950]

Unlike other prodigies on violin and piano i have seen and heard, she plays with such warmth, emotion, and creativity...

[@warrengwonka2479]

extane gautham Her musicianship comes from her brain rather than her trained fingers.

[@imrichsinger3995]

the most inspiring half hour one can spend on youtube

[@roelfromgroningen]

I fully agree !

[@kimeteklenja2032]

Alma, thank you for being you! Finally a female classical composer at the level of the greatest Masters! She's got a God-given gift and she knows how to treasure it. Go, girl!!!

[@nonosquare1066]

makes me sad to know, that in the past there HAD to be other female geniuses like her but most likely they werent discoverd because it was not common for women to work and practice music

[@donschwellenbach5461]

I dont think I need therapy anymore, this is pure joy

[@nadapez]

Indeed this her music has an infinite healing power.

[@jayseaem]

@Bailey Rickman And mine

[@reallythere]

Same here, her music calms my nerves and fills my heart so my anxiety has nowhere to live!😘

[@hampurista]

Agree 😊

[@cat4uhere]

Love hearing her play, but equally love watching her face. She is immersed in the music. I think she forgets everything when she touches the keys or strings. She loves the nuances, and I think in those instances when she plays the sad melodies she becomes an old soul.

[@63rdwho]

Cathy Hardman: You have evidently noticed this before many others. Many who love and appreciate Alma's beautiful music - which includes myself - have noticed that when Alma plays, she is indeed totally immersed in the music, what some would describe as being "totally into it", and a big part of that is that her face tells so much compared to other top professionals, many of whom seem to be expressionless, that it's almost possible that if one were unable to hear, or if you merely watch without the volume, that you could understand the music just by watching her face. I don't think I've seen this in any other performer of any age, young or old. It's an absolute joy to behold.

[@PPplubploy]

Oh wow she plays piano, violin. she composes, wonderful at improvisation, shes humble, sweet speak how many languages? OMG what a real GENIUS

[@79MrZeus]

German, English and Hebrew as far as I know

[@studentoftheword6115]

You forgot... She also Sings too... And very good.... Did you know that!???

[@Dagny1978]

She says in this video that she speaks Hebrew because her father is from Israel & speaks it at home. Don't know where she learned German, but she spoke it when she performed in Vienna.

[@warrengwonka2479]

@@studentoftheword6115 the star of her opera, CINDERELLA, was suddenly ill in Salzburg with no understudy. She played the role in German on three hours notice. She said “It’s easier to do if you wrote it.”

[@klimenkor]

OMG!!! I was watching Alma's videos after realizing she's native English speaker fluent in German, plays piano and violin, composing AMAZING music. Here she's also speaking Hebrew! I'm speechless

[@jamesperdue8355]

I am not smart enough to express my awe at this young lady's talent, but my hope is that this media intensive world that brings us this young genius will not spoil her talent through taking too much of her time away from her passion or allow her fame to overtake her.

[@jepz11]

+James Perdue Seeing Alma's face as she plays unearthly beautiful, I see an intelligence, musicality and wisdom way beyond what I can grasp. Alma does what she wants, of course she does. We all may be happy for and because of her music.

[@robertsoskis264]

Great point. If this genius were spoiled in any way, it would be a shame.

[@lucmedina]

I hope so too. But if you think "this media intensive world" is dangerous for child prodigies, just remember what 18th century Vienna did to Mozart.

[@dhy5342]

Was there a translator there, or does she speak Hebrew too? She answered in English but slipped in a few Hebrew words , too.

[@63rdwho]

dhy5342: Alma does indeed speak Hebrew. Her mother is English, and her father Israeli. Since this programme - she was 8 then but is now 13 - she also speaks German.

[@sandrafruitman5756]

This little girl is a miracle. There may be others like her but she is truly amazing. Such poise and confidence. Her playing both violin and piano is exquisite. She feels the emotion. What a treasure

[@kpopwcoco]

It’s a privilege to have seen and heard a true prodigy. She has given a whole new dimension to the phrase “child genius”.

[@thecynthiabrownmail]

Her childlike spirit heals me. So present, so innocent, purity, her expressions. The world needs her.

[@jamesb.9155]

A shock to see she speaks and understands Hebrew as well as writing lyics in German and speaking English with a slightly different and lovable accent! Professor Vardi was a wonderful host and worked beautifully with Alma.

[@jamesb.9155]

Luckily for him!

[@sunshinegal4294]

She is amazing! She plays the violin and piano like no other, composes music and speaks how many languages? You can see and hear her complete love and enthusiasm in what she does. Anything to do with music, I think she lives, breaths and dreams of music! A prodigy and genius! Literally.

[@rubinirina]

Alma makes this World the better place. She is amazingly talented, it's a pleasure to look at her bright , happy face and listening to her wonderfully performed music.

[@jayseaem]

Ho my God, she is brilliant, at her age HOW? I could literally watch and listen to Alma till the cows come home. Did you know that AMADEUS is written through her name, Spooky or what, re-incarnation, I think so.

[@laylam4241]

She is inspiring and filled with joy of life

[@paulburgess9796]

Alma, your sonata is the most beautiful music I have heard in my life from a violin. You are a virtuoso both in playing the violin, and more so in composing. From the very first notes of this piece, I feel your inspiration. Love it!

[@CarlosTorres-bg9vj]

I thank all mighty God for sending Alma down to our Earth for us to rejoice , to make our lives bearable...I could listen to her voice and her super talent....24/7...hundreds of years ahead the world will enjoy ALMA. 🌹🌻🌸⚘

[@Christin5554]

I am speechless and that doesn't happen often. This girl is amazing. I'll be following her progress. Her parents must be so proud of her.

[@joparfit]

How wonderful to see a child so enthused and entranced by music while also being quite amazing!

[@CJSCareers]

Beautiful!!

[@DelilahDeWylde]

She is adorable and just so brilliant! Her spirit really shines though in this interview!

[@amnonmeyers6946]

There are no words to describe her.... I've just discovered Alma Deutscher on YT, have been watching many of the clips about her. My heart is overflowing.

[@joszandstra2044]

I only recently discovered Alma on KZbin. She is such a lovely person and also at the age of 8 she already shows her quality on music. It is also great to see that she thoroughly enjoys what she is doing. This was a great video giving a bit of an insight in the musical abilities of her.

[@keithwelton]

A lovely girl whose playing and compositions make this old man cry with joy. Alma is not just talented she shows true genius, I wish her and her family a joyful life.

[@halstein7712]

Watching Alma and listening to her talk and perform is so life affirming! We are regularly confronted with people in the news and elsewhere who are shallow and self-serving, It's easy to conclude that this is the nature of mankind. Then someone like Alma comes along who shows us the extraordinary beauty that is possible to have within one's soul. Bless you, Alma---and much thanks to your parents.

[@TheStone444]

So much more than just another musical prodigy. What a lovely, mature soul. Thank you Alma, thank you Alma's parents and teachers, thank the universe, God, or whatever one might call that which brings forth such a one as this.

[@rachelburdeau3616]

David Cohen

[@Remnants100]

Effortless mastery of both instruments at such a tender age. Alma is so full of nervous energy you can almost see her brain working overtime. Her interaction with Arik is one born out of mutual respect, in knowing just what it takes to reach this level of accomplishment. Truly one of the most gifted youngsters I have ever seen.

[@oliviapereira364]

she's very sincere with her emotions while playing. It's not overdone at all, that's rare specially at such a young age... Some children tend to try to imitate adults that reward this behaviour, she is very independent

[@Remnants100]

I have just received the most wonderful gift which will enable me to watch dear Alma live in Concert @ the Royal Festival Hall in London on Tuesday December 6th. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it having followed her from her earliest performances here on You-Tube. Alma is the most completely gifted musical talent I have ever witnessed at such a tender age. That she also has the most delightful personality just adds a little extra stardust

[@Biomirth]

Well.....how was it?

[@stephanbuchner639]

Ungläubiges Staunen! Bewunderung! War ich der Meinung, dass es Wunderkinder in unserer heutigen Zeit nicht mehr gibt. Aber nachdem ich nun Alma Deutscher und auch Amira Willighagen über KZbin gefunden habe, wurde ich *Gott-sei-Dank* eines besseren belehrt. Danke ALMA, ich hoffe dass Du auf Deinem Weg vielen lieben Menschen begegnest, die Dich unterstützen und Dich nicht ausnützen wollen. Gott behüte Dich, Du kleiner Schatz!

[@jetsjournals1940]

I closed my eyes when the duet with the pianist began. I just listened for the beauty that Alma composes. She is indeed an angel sent to pacify our hearts and minds into a world of magical mysterious music. I love her personality and adore her music. Bless you Alma. ♥

[@jamesb.9155]

Tears fall onto my cheeks as I watch and listen to her Divine inspirations . . . Imagine an 8 year old coming under the scrutiny by such a wizened world class pianist and earning his unconditional acclaim.

[@keithtinkler4073]

I bet Alma is the only person on the planet who can sit down and play some Marxsen from memory! and certainly the youngest by several decades!

[@maryhender1783]

Such a joyful time listening to this brilliant young composer. Wow, Kol-hachavod for her parents who are investing in her talent. Thank you Alma, I am following up with your progress.

[@johnblenkiron5126]

This musical genius is almost beyond my comprehension. But, here I see and hear with my own eyes and ears. Now I truly believe in miracles. I was mesmerized when I more recently heard Alma's composition The Waltz of the Sirens staged in Vienna.

[@antonioperez1624]

Listening to Alma speak and play elicits all kinds of wonderful feelings. She is right, music should sound this way, it should be beautiful.

[@copernicus633]

Actually I don’t think she is nervous. I’ve never seen any nervousness in her. I think she is collecting her thoughts and perhaps hesitating between Hebrew and English.

[@tristramgordon8252]

I can't remember watching anything more beautiful than this, If I may be so bold, at her age, better than Mozart? The Scarlatti, was sublime, beautiful beyond words, thank you for posting this on you tube.

[@manoelnt0]

Scarlatti perfomance is just perfect for me! I visit this video times and times again because I in love on the Alma's Music!

[@MrDaiseymay]

Watch her play this Scarlatti piece on You tube, when she was six, such ability, and her impish facial reactions near the end--is a killer.

[@lescox8667]

With Alma composing and playing and Amira and Sterre singing classical music has a wonderful and exciting future not equaled since Mozart and Brahms. I have just recovered from major heart surgery and listening to this genius makes me either think I died and went to heaven or she gives me a reason to live on so I can listen to more of her work. May your God bless you little one.

[@KarePassion]

She has a wonderful future, agreed! What is more important I think is that she has a wonderful present, in every sense of the word!

[@gabriellemacia897]

les cox

[@aadarshsm]

Its just amazing that she can just conjure music out of thin air. Truly a prodigy.

[@taliasings4733]

What a lovely and sweet little girl. Beyond being incredibly talented, of course. She's just a doll. And no ego to speak of!!

[@stgdrbob]

Alma , I picked up your name from Jackie Evancho's fan club , and am completely astounded by your talent . Cannot comprehend how a child of your age can posses such a wonderful mind .

[@fjmor100]

Wow" WOW"She is a great entertainer Another great gift from God" Bob! what a great discovery thank you once a gain!.........Unbelievable! Look!! how she understands any question, given to her!!

[@stgdrbob]

frank j Morley Frank, don't know how old you are but ,there is so much wonderful young talent that elderly like my self enjoys on line. Music of the gifted like alma , Emily Bear , and Jackie , brings us so much comfort .The world is better because of them.

[@colinhills5249]

Every accolade about this wonderful little girl's talent has already been said except to say that she must be nurtured and protected and allowed to grow at her own pace. Simply astounding and lovely.

[@alaminpaputungan6960]

THIS IS THE BEST OF ALMA I NEVER EVER GET BORED TO WATCHING HER AND ARIC INTERVIEW GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY

[@arthurrashap]

The Universal Language of music is transmitted through this angel. What a joy to share time with her and the gifts she shares.

[@luciamenicanti]

ohhh isn't she just too much?!?!?!?! Makes you regain faith in humanity. Thank you Alma you are amazing and thank you to God for creating such wonders!!

[@robertsoskis264]

I am 77 years old and I think I am in love. What a wonder, she is magnificent. Total genius, move over Mr Mozart,a little wonder is coming

[@humbertogarcia7698]

This beautiful and smart girl send a message to the world that still some body keep and have the brain to produce and play good music, not the garbage that is covering the young people today, Thanks Alma and good luck.

[@brianrussel6012]

(guest).Alma Deutsche : phenomenal. Clearly a life- enhancing presence in a terribly troubled world. This has lifted me up , from feeling very dispirited, after decades of wasted effort....😥. Music was the last interest that endured when I was weakened to the point of exhaustion, facing the wall without even the energy to cry, at the lowest point of radiation treatment after major cancer. When you have experienced ' rock bottom' like that, you appreciate beauty, especially of music , even more for its healing powers. So to see such a wonderful talent developing now( December 2016) is inspiring me to try to retrieve my piano skills, such as they were ! 😊. I just wish that all those cruel , angry men fighting all the time could stop, and share and be happy with music, which is such a positive thing for all humans to enjoy...😊. What a wonderful inspiration is Alma. 😊.

[@alydar2716]

Brian Russel. Absolutely!

[@femaleintelligent1]

I hope you have made a full recovery from cancer, aided by the healing power of beautiful music. May you return to making your own music to bless others.

[@brianrussel6012]

@@alydar2716 (guest) Thank you, alba green, I am not Brian as in the title, just writing as a guest here. ☺

[@brianrussel6012]

@@femaleintelligent1 (Guest) Thank you, I have so far managed 32 years, free of it, but it does haunt me that it could happen again, now that I am 70 ! My big regret is that those 32 years have been marred by much loss and huge amounts of stress, not of my making... But I cling to music and look out for beauty anywhere it can appear.... 🙂

[@yuenlee8031]

This young genius has such an amazing sensitivity of harmony.Her composing really full of both inspiration and rigor.

[@FakeItalianoII]

Not only an incredible artist, an incredible human being! BRAVO, Alma !!! BRAVO !!!

[@paulburgess9796]

This is the sweetest sounding piano. Her Scarlatti is dreamy. We dream with her!

[@Biomirth]

I honestly didn't even like Scarlatti till I heard this and now I want to play everything he every did.

[@63rdwho]

Alma, I was absolutely blown away by your talent when you appeared on Ellen's show last year. What an amazing and inspiring young lady you are, and I think you are well on the way to being one of the finest composers of the 21st century. I absolutely love to hear you play, whether it be Scarlatti, Haydn, Schubert, and especially your own beautiful music also. Your new sonata is so beautiful, and moved me to tears. Thank you for allowing us to glimpse inside your wonderful world of music and creativity. I am also very impressed indeed that you took the time and effort to find out about, and bring to life, Eduard Marxsen, a composer all but forgotten by most. All the very best wishes to you and your family for 2014, and for a very bright future which is surely before you.

[@studentoftheword6115]

She plays with so much feeling. So many Professionals don't even do close to her just in feeling alone. Not even thinking about everything else she does with music.

[@MrDaiseymay]

And ,my god, she speaks several languages-like Hebrew, as heard here. Both parents are linguists

[@studentoftheword6115]

2 languages. English and Hebrew.

[@bruce_c_in_nz]

She speaks those two as "native". She is fluent in German almost to the same standard.@@studentoftheword6115

[@Remnants100]

I have just returned from dear Alma's official UK debut at the Royal Festival Hall 'Winter Concert'. Her performance was everything I had hoped for her and more; with the second movement of her Violin Concerto particularly sublime. I chanced to meet up with one of Alma's staunchest fans (and if you read this Alan it was all the more enjoyable for doing so). It was both an honour and great privilege for us to speak with Mrs Deutscher afterwards too. A night to remember indeed.

[@keithtinkler4073]

Thank you so much for the update on the London concert. Did she play the third movement? - or the first? that is available here only in a snippet - but was scored for strings for the Japanese concert? I do love the Romanza - its been played (or recorded) just the once - but its one of those that you simply never want to end.

[@Remnants100]

Hello Keith, Alma actually played the 3rd movement: Allegreo vivace e scherzando first, before the interval; followed by the 2nd movement Romanza later in her performance. She captivated the audience when introducing each piece plus giving a brief timeline as to composition. When joining in with Bryn Terfel and Hayley Westenra in the Finale, dear Alma astounded everyone with the power of her voice; more than holding her own in such gifted company. I too did not want the Romanza to end and it sounds even more sublime now that Alma is using a 300year old violin. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

[@keithtinkler4073]

Thank you for all that, I really appreciate it. I noticed from the Evening Standard report on Alma in Vienna - that the BBC was filming a documentary on her for next year. Have a wonderful Christmas and may the New Year bring more Alma concerts!

[@mckavitt]

Keith Tinkler What Christmas? She understands Hebrew fluently. Rare for Christians. Happy Chanukah, rather.

[@keithtinkler4073]

She does - because of her father. But she is born in England, and you might want to check her "Night before Christmas" vid made years ago. Christmas is not inappropriate. She is getting hold of German now too.

[@nadukas]

She feels music. She makes me believe in big things

[@annarubato]

Must be a pleasure to interview such a remarkable personality.

[@Staufferable]

Absolute genius! How I would love to work with a child like this! One would learn more FROM her than the other way around!

[@veronicaeasterbrook7698]

I am not musically competent to judge the quality but I found this sonata to be achingly beautiful.

[@bobsloan7940]

How is this possible? How can one so young not only play these pieces but actually do so with a feeling for the music that I would assume only someone older could have?

[@indyjones1173]

Her father is a linguistics professor and yet, he still hasn't found a word to truly describe her genius and talent. This is mind boggling

[@williambunter3311]

Alma is adorable! And super-dooper intelligent! God smile on her and her loved ones always!

[@jon_co]

Beautiful on so many levels!

[@mruz]

Me enamore de la musica clasica gracias a Alma, soy de chile, una maravilla estar vivo para ver un talento de esta indole, gracias Dios.

[@khc8800]

She has the cutest, most innocent, most cognizant smile and demeanor in this interview and at this age. Beautiful.

[@akanecortich8197]

oh and she sings quite well too. And if you noticed, she has perfect pitch.

[@MrDaiseymay]

I LOVE IT--when she sings. Again , with great confidence, despite her having a few wobbles with some notes, which makes me chuckle, but they are always in tune Bless---

[@MrDaiseymay]

i didn't know there was a restriction praise?

[@jamesruckman4294]

You can almost see the music flowing through her head. I love this little girl. Better than medication for ones ills. Wonderful does not do her justice. Pure joy. No words.

[@georgiaewington]

I think what amazed me most here is when she got shy or nervous in her words, she let her fingers take over and played music. Incredible.

[@erpollock]

I like the way Arie Vardi assesses Alma while she plays with the same seriousness he would an adult or mature student. He treats Alma as artist in the same critical way he would any advanced student or young adult. His critical facility is always there. Yet he is kindly and gentle to her in conversation.

[@tosius2]

Brilliant, beautiful, inspirational. When the gift is from God it cannot be denied or ignored!!

[@eladblumenfeld5111]

That is one very talented girl! She plays very wonderfully!

[@Asgoodasgod]

What a delight it was to listen to this wondrous and musically gifted soul. May God bless her and I look forward to hearing so much more from her.

[@olisfer1]

Alma has a Cd it's fantastic .I think what we see now is the tip of ice shelf.

[@auditenovagradradbacher9753]

Thank you Arik for doing this wounderful interview with that genius girl. She speaks at least english, german and, as I learned now hebrew, composing lovely music while beeing a very well minded child.

[@ellicechen]

aww its so sweet how she blends the languages she’s talking in together

[@johnholdens]

Like the gentleman conducting the interview, I am speechless! Simply amazing!

[@rondoweiss]

American Idol, The X factor etc. Eat your heart out,Alma is so much better than anything you can produce..This is the real deal .I am a fan forever.

[@paulburgess9796]

So at home on a keyboard that it plays for her like few I have ever heard. At one point, repeated again and again, she touches a left hand note with her little finger that barely sounds! It makes expression most pianists never experience. She has full expression of emotion through an instrument that hardly knows someone who can play is so.

[@genriettawolowyk9730]

Сохраните эту дивную непосредственность в этом,очаровательно улыбающем, чудесном вундеркинде.Больших творческих удач и прекрасных педагогов.

[@donschwellenbach5461]

Genius genius genius, her parents cultivated her talent and let her run with it. Imagine if we all did this with our children?

[@tristramgordon8252]

+Emily Schwellenbach I do believe that is the key, when a child gets to 5 years, and school age, it's already too late. Humans "dump" half their brain cells, before the age of 7.

[@jamien.5528]

Geniuses are born not created

[@ronshala22]

How beautiful is Alma! A Creator of worlds in her compositions, their harmonies and melodies. May she continue to grow and mature and become the producer of joy she seems destined to become.

[@cbr51]

Wonderful. I am speechless.

[@yupinaa]

i just love how at 5:00 she kept on stuttering so she gave up and just started playing the piano

[@tqalenanoukietqalenanoukie2363]

yupinaa Thats at 5:06

[@ranp237]

Its like her brain think faster than her lips can move.

[@ugluduck2]

She expresses best with . . . MUSIC, words are just too " small".

[@Dazbog373]

Child prodigies are a dime a dozen these days, but this girl is different. Comparisons with Mozart may in fact be justified

[@hellomate639]

They are. You only have to listen to Mozart's early compositions to realize that they actually might not even be quite as good.

[@Dazbog373]

hellomate639 That said, Mozart's early compositions were quite original. Whereas Alma's compositions sound a lot like Mozart's. But only time will tell.

[@greyantelope]

If we compared you to Mozart how would you fare? We are witnessing the unaffected joy that a child is capable in expressing her thoughts without guile

[@Dazbog373]

greyantelope I can neither play the piano nor the violin, let alone compose an orchestral masterpiece, so I reckon I'd fair poorly. What's your point again?

[@greyantelope]

DarKool81 Child prodigies are not only not a dime a dozen, but they represent a breath of fresh air in an otherwise vapid cultural where mediocrity is encouraged so that the under achievers don't feel bad about themselves. When I see see the inner happiness that radiates from her face and others like Emily Bear,Amira Willighagen and Umi Garrett I take it is a sign that the creative nature of the human spirit and striving for perfection remains alive and well i some quarters.

[@stevesmith3308]

What I find most interesting is that the adult listener has a 'burden' of emotional experience which this music often evokes but which Miss Deutscher clearly is too young to have come across. She hasn't yet suffered like many of us have with the common agonies of life - loosing a loved one, a pet, a job, a relationship breakup. All of these intense experiences leave an impression on us which at times boils forth as an emotional response to sublime music. So ours and her own experience of this music are substantively different? Which begs the question is music really what we often perceive it to be? She toys with sound and harmony and tempo and expression and perhaps sees it for what it is, with more clarity than someone who has an emotional response to it all? The melancholy they hear from her work is surely actually just influence? She says 'you can teach the basis of music....but you can't teach the notes you have to put in', in time life is the teacher of that.

[@keithtinkler4073]

Your remarks become even more evident when you watch & listen to her "Cinderella," ,and although we only have the one aria from the Vienna performance - it definitely seals the deal on her astonishingly mastery of composition and her ability to evoke emotion in music: as several reviewers of Cinderella point out. However, you are close to saying children don't have sufficiently deep emotional experiences that her music could arise from? She knows many operas, reads very widely, and is clearly extremely sensitive, and from my experience children can be extremely emotional - though not usually from the stimuli you mention. But those raw feelings they do feel can be transferred to other situations (e.g in her operas) that she is aware of but has not experienced. Children certainly 'feel' the anguish of emotional situations in many children's stories.

[@johnmartin2813]

Just listen to a baby cry and then tell me.that children can't be emotional.

[@julianneheindorf5757]

In the BBC documentary her mother talks about Deutscher being aware of death and having her own understanding of it among other things because close family members were I'll and passed away. Kids of course don't have the lived experiences of adults, but they quite often have amazing insights and a unique understanding of issues adults assume they know nothing about. Don't sell kids short. They know more and understand more than we adults are willing to give them credit for.

[@julianneheindorf5757]

Ill not I'll darn autocorrect...

[@patrickpaganini]

My reaction to music when I was 3 and 4 was not very different to my reaction now, after playing in an orchestra for many years. You don't need to experience tragedy to understand it. I remember at 3 being utterly shocked to find out that everybody eventually died - it seemed outrageous. Alma's interpretive skills are absolutely phenomenal. I love the way she phrases.

[@georgechiang6397]

Exceptionally GIFTED., EXCEEDING TALENT. SHE AND HER MIND IS ALWAYS PLAYING 24/7 IN JOINTED EFFORT, THIS HAPPENS PROBABLY ONCE in a couple of Centuries or more. TREASURE OF OUR PLANET, ALMA IS.

[@eleonorer.6503]

She really is amazing, not only her improvisation, piano and violin skills, but her whole personality is incredibly mature and kind. I'm sure she will be a famous musician when she grows up.

[@paulburgess9796]

One of my most favorites is the piece by Scarlatti. I so appreciate the close-ups of her expressions as she plays it. I think it must be one of her favorites too!

[@edwardlevesque145]

Thank you Alma you bring musical sunshine to cloudy skies

[@hellooblue1]

The child is a beautiful genius.

[@damoon57]

You made me cry 😢 💗🌹