In the scorching desert of the Wild West, I see a high-speed chase between the local sheriff and a rebel cowboy. The cowboy’s horse dances around furiously, kicking up dust and causing chaos. Its energetic gallop quickens, and the outlaw escapes in a whirlwind of sand. His horse rears up with a whinny, and I am brought back to reality, staring at black and white keys. My heart is pounding, my wrists throbbing, and my face sweating. The sheet music in front of me is titled “Danza del Gaucho Matrero (Dance of the Outlaw Cowboy),” one of the most thrilling pieces I have ever played.
My musical journey commenced with piano at five and violin at eight. Even before I received lessons, I would play with our electronic keyboard and listen to Brahms’