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Boy Amazes Shoppers With Impromptu Piano Performance
People couldn't believe what they were hearing...
Britanie Leclair
12.31.18

The best part of shopping at Costco is the samples.

Whether it be frozen pizzas, cupboard snacks, or any other delicious type of food, when you go to Costco, you know you’re going to get a treat or two.

costco-samples
The Ann Arbor News
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The Ann Arbor News

What the following shoppers didn’t know, however, was that instead of food, their sample would be in the form of an impromptu piano performance.

A young boy named Jake Clayton was shopping with his parents at a Costco in Laguna Niguel, California.

costco-laguna-niguel
RMC Constructors
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RMC Constructors

At one point during their shopping trip, his parents wandered off to find the best deal on buckets of mayonnaise. At only 9 years old, Jake could have trailed behind them, following their every step. But instead, he turned around and saw something that caught his eye— a piano on display.

At first, Jake wasn’t sure if he should touch it, so he stood there simply admiring the instrument. Soon, however, he can’t resist playing a note or two— and the scene that follows blows everyone away.

jake-clayton-piano-costco
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

Putting his fingers to the keys, Jake begins playing a flawless rendition of Csárdás by Vittoria Monti.

Written in 1904, Csárdás is a popular folkloric piece. It is based on the Hungarian csárdás, a traditional folk dance. The name Csárdás stems from the word “csárda”, which is an old, Hungarian term for ‘tavern’.

Csárdás-dance
CMUSE
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CMUSE

The main feature of csárdás dance music is a variation in tempo. Pieces begin very slowly, ultimately increasing to a rapid speed. During the dance, women wear wide, traditional skirts that create distinctive shapes when they twirl.

Csárdás-dance
Dance Ask
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Dance Ask

Interestingly, traditional csárdás dancing is currently making a comeback in Hungary thanks revivalist movements like Táncház, a Hungarian folk dance event.

As Jake plays the Hungarian music, people can’t help but stop and stare. It’s clear this young boy has talent beyond his years.

Onlooker Jonathan Velasquez noted:

“While most children would be screaming and crying, [Jake] is hardly even bothered by strangers with video cameras as his fingers glide across the 88 keys and he works the foot pedals.”

jake-clayton-piano-costco
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

Jake’s skills aren’t totally surprising to those who know him though. Described as a piano prodigy, Jake has been playing piano since before he turned five years old. The youngster made his debut performing Mozart with the Saddleback College Orchestra in California before going on to win a long list of competitions and awards.

jake-clayton
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

As Jake plays, you can see bystanders recording him. They truly can’t believe the sight before their eyes.

jake-clayton-piano-costco
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

When Velasquez uploaded the video of Jake to YouTube, the footage immediately went viral. At first, reports erroneously said the boy was named ‘Felipe’— but it didn’t take long for Jake’s identity to emerge.

Since being uploaded to YouTube, Jake’s impromptu performance has been viewed more than five million times.

jake-clayton-piano-costco
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

People can’t believe the boy’s talent— especially at such a young age! Comments on the video read:

“This kind of stuff makes me think about reincarnation.”

“So jaw-droppingly amazing, it left me speechless.”

“Sweet Jesus, what a talent!”

jake-clayton-piano-costco
YouTube
Source:
YouTube

Watch the video below!

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