SOBRE ESTE EPISÓDIO
Ana began studying piano at the age of six in Romania. Her rigorous musical education included solfège and ear training, which taught her to hear melodies and harmonies internally before playing them. Although one of her first teachers believed her hands were too small for her to become a pianist, Ana continued with her mother’s encouragement and overcame this challenge through hard work.
Ana began composing when she was only six or seven. At eleven, she became a church pianist and accompanied children’s and adult choirs, singers, and instrumental ensembles. She later began arranging and composing for these groups. Her long experience writing vocal music influenced the lyrical, singable quality of her instrumental works.
Her creative process often begins with improvisation. Nature, especially the landscapes of the Swiss Alps, is an important source of inspiration. After spending time outdoors, Ana often returns home and goes directly to the piano. Her emotions naturally become part of what she plays.
When she discovers a musical idea she likes, she records it on her phone or writes it down. She may return to it days, weeks, or even months later and develop it into a complete composition.
During our conversation, Ana introduced her recent piano solo, Close to You. The piece has a soft and intimate atmosphere and follows a song-like ABAB structure. Although musical ideas return, she never performs them in exactly the same way.
Ana initially considered turning the piece into an orchestral work. However, she decided that its delicate and personal character was best expressed by the piano alone.
The title reflects an essential part of Ana’s musical identity: connection. She wants music to create a relationship between the composer, performer, and listener. She was especially moved when listeners said that Close to You made them feel closer to her or invited them to reconnect with themselves.
Ana is now interested in learning more about orchestration. Virtual instrument libraries allow her to experiment with orchestral colors and hear her ideas before they are performed by live musicians.
We also discussed the challenges facing contemporary composers. Ana explained that although the internet allows musicians to reach audiences around the world, it also creates intense competition for visibility. It can also be difficult for composers and performers to earn a sustainable living through music.
To make contemporary classical music more accessible, Ana believes we must recognize that every listener is different. Someone may like Bach but not Chopin, just as one child may prefer apples while another prefers bananas. Instead of expecting everyone to enjoy the same music, musicians and educators should help people discover works that connect with their individual tastes.
My conversation with Ana showed me that composing is not only about creating melodies and harmonies. It is also about perseverance, personal expression, and communication. I was especially interested in how her vocal-music background shaped her piano writing and how Close to You creates an intimate connection with listeners.
