I used to hesitate to reveal that I liked classical music to avoid coming off as pretentious or bland; since then, I’ve realized that it’s an essential part of me. As expansive as the English language is, the feelings music evokes are too complex to be described by any adjectives I know. A great example of this is Maurice Ravel, whose music, with its watery texture and subtle chromatic shifts, evokes a sense of serenity you can understand only by listening to it. I enjoy conveying these intricate emotions through piano, whether at school or competitions.

 

My appreciation for a relatively unpopular genre not only brings me joy but also helps me better understand others who enjoy niche interests and give them space to be themselves. Now, when a friend explains which D&D class they think is the best, I stop and listen.

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As expansive as the English language is, the feelings that classical music evokes are too complex to be described by any adjectives I know. Ravel’s music, with its watery texture and subtle chromatic shifts, evokes a sense of serenity you can understand only by listening to it.

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If I had a soundtrack right now, it would be Scriabin, both literally, because I play his pieces, and metaphorically, because his music climbs toward intensity without losing subtlety. It feels like growth in motion: disciplined, curious, unpredictable, and searching for something beyond the world. That’s how this moment of my life feels.