Mozart was famously recognized for his musical talent at a young age, playing the harpsichord at 4 and composing original works by 5. Perhaps it’s fitting, then, that a video of 5-year-old piano prodigy Alberto Cartuccia Cingolani performing Mozart has gone viral, leaving viewers in awe of his extraordinary musical abilities.
Despite his legs not reaching the pedals, Alberto’s small hands moved skillfully across the piano keys, producing stunning music at the 10th International Musical Competition “Città di Penne” in Italy in 2022. Even for those familiar with young musicians, Alberto’s performance is truly jaw-dropping. Some children simply possess a rare, natural gift—and Alberto is one of them.
His prodigious talent has been nurtured by two professional musician parents, but no amount of teaching can create the raw ability he demonstrates. Alberto began playing the piano in 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Italy was one of the first countries to go into a strict lockdown. Seizing the opportunity, his mother, Alessia Cingolani, started teaching him to play. Both Alessia and her husband, Simone Cartuccia, are graduates of music conservatories, and they recognized their son’s extraordinary potential right away.
Although Alberto practices regularly, his mother emphasizes that he also enjoys a balanced childhood, with plenty of time for school, play, and television, just like any other child.
However, there’s nothing “normal” about Alberto’s piano playing. Many adults who have studied the piano for years never achieve his level of skill, which makes it feel like he’s channeling the spirit of Mozart himself.
By the age of 4 ½, Alberto had already participated in seven national and international online competitions, winning first place in all of them. His mother shared with Corriere Adriatico that he initially practiced for about 10 minutes a day, gradually increasing to three hours.
“He has a remarkable flair for the piano,” Alessia said. That’s an understatement.
Some viewers expressed concern about Alberto’s intensity, pointing out what appeared to be dark circles under his eyes in the video. However, other videos of Alberto playing at home reveal a much more relaxed demeanor. Most of his performances and competition entries have been online, so performing for an audience was likely a new experience. His mother has emphasized that they prioritize a normal childhood, focusing on activities beyond music.
Alberto is truly a musical prodigy, and it’s exciting to imagine what his future in music holds.
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