Gabriela Montero: Breathing Oxygen Into Classical

These days, improvisation seems to belong to the world of jazz. Yet for pianist Gabriela Montero, improvisation is how she approaches classical music. Her upcoming performance, a part of the SFJAZZ Spring Season, will feature music from her latest classical recording, Solatino.That’s the classical music part. But, as is true of her concerts, there will still be a half-hour segment when she asks the audience for themes for improvisation. And that’s where the jazz connection comes in. Even Montero doesn’t know what will emerge; these days, she says, it’s pretty much classical, but it might be something else, such as a Latin tango. Whatever comes forth, it’s something she’s looking forward to sharing with her audience and with a city she calls “beautiful.”

You’re a classical musician who does improvisation, which was once part of European classical music tradition. When did you start to improvise, and when did you discover that this was something that used to be more common?

I am one of the few classical musicians who improvise, but of course it’s always been known that the great composers did that. It’s always been the language of my musical life since I was a child. I always would do it, as it seemed the most natural thing to do.

A few years ago, I became aware that improvising is very unusual. But it’s like bringing oxygen to the classical world, almost like composing. It brings me closer to the audience. It feeds me.

When you’re improvising, do you start out knowing where you want to go with the music, or does it just develop?

It’s a different part of my being and my brain. It’s not thought-driven. Your intuition and your highest self lead and guide you. It brings you to the purest, most profound moments. It’s very spontaneous.

You mentioned composing. Have you ever felt that improvising could or would lead you to composing?

Yes. I’m in the middle of composing my first piece for piano and orchestra now. It will have its premiere in October, as part of a tour I’m doing through Germany with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. It’s been fun.

You started performing at a very young age. How has your approach to music changed over the years?

Everyone transitions. You become more aware of who you are and what you want. I’m very selective of what I want to do. I have more mental discipline. By that, I don’t mean the discipline for practicing, but the discipline of knowing what I want to convey. I now know my voice.

It was never a quest to be famous. I want my voice to be honest and effective. My career has been a series of strong curves and wrong turns and life and development. My music is richer for that.

Your latest recording, Solatino, is South American music, right?

It’s Latin American music. It’s music from Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, and Venezuela.

What was it like growing up in Venezuela?

I was only living there until I was about 8, though I would go back every year. It was beautiful. Those were the best years, until 11 or 12 years ago. I’m wishing we got our country back.

What was it like to play at Obama’s inauguration?

It was an incredible moment. It was thrilling to be there.

When you’re not performing, or doing the full-time work of being a mother, what do you do to relax?

I love to spend time with people I care for — doing the normal things you lose touch with when you’re on the road. I love good wine and conversation, and good cinema. I love the simple things.

Are there any other instruments you wish you could play?

I don’t know. Maybe cello.

Have you ever considered a different career?

Yes. Really, I was called a musical prodigy at an early age. It was clear to everyone what I would do, but not to me! I would want a choice. I stopped playing many times. At one point, I wanted to study psychology. I did social-volunteer work. I loved the contact with people and helping people.

But music has such a strong pull in me. No matter where I went, I always had, and have, a 24-hour radio in my head.

What music are you listening to these days?

It’s a mixed repertoire. I listen to what my kids listen to, which sometimes horrifies me. I listen to jazz. Chet Baker. I love Brazilian music. I’ve been listening to Wagner and Richard Strauss. There’s Cuban music in the mix. It’s a variety.