By Howard Lovy
Introduction
Roma Calatayud-Stocks
A good book is one that not only places the reader inside the story, but challenges her to think about how she would react and behave in seemingly no-win situations. A compelling story occurs right at this border between good and evil, between strength and weakness. And that is what makes Roma Calatayud-Stocks such an effective writer.
Especially in her latest book, A Symphony of Rivals, the second in a trilogy, where her protagonist is a musician who is given a certain amount of privilege within a time of cultural and moral deterioration under Hitler’s Germany. Protagonist Alejandra Stanford Morrison, who we also know from the previous book, A Song in My Heart, finds refuge and a measure of hope and strength through music and Beethoven’s legacy even while she confronts situations that challenge her principles.
But the edges of morality are not the only barriers explored in Roma’s work. So, too, is the divide between music and prose, which she effectively breaches as both a writer and a musical composer. A Symphony of Rivals also comes with a musical selection, available on her website romastocks.com, of Roma’s musical compositions, meant to be enjoyed along with her book. I have always been drawn toward writers who test and cross boundaries, which is one reason why Roma’s work had me curious to learn more. Her characters, her writing/composing, and also her Mexican heritage all combine to create a fascinating mix of border-smashing talent. I wanted to learn more, and Roma did not disappoint in our discussion below.
The Interview
LOVY: You’ve managed to combine your love of writing and your love of music. Did one inform the other as you wrote? Or are music and writing completely separate processes?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: They definitely complement each other, although, they are separate processes. Music is a more emotional and unconscious process, particularly when I’m composing at the piano. Writing is more cognitive and purpose driven. After extensive research, writing allows me to address poignant issues, the politics of a particular era, and history. Equally as important is my commitment to bring forth the contributions of all cultures through the arts. In A Symphony of Rivals, music drives the story line and it serves as the medium of the creative and emotional expression for many of the characters.
LOVY: A Symphony of Rivals takes place during a dark time in history, but you also wanted to tell a basically uplifting story at the same time. Was this a difficult place to navigate in your narrative and music?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: There are many dark times in history. It’s in challenging times that we hope for the triumph of human virtues. People turn to something that can raise their spirits. In the case of, Alejandra Stanford Morrison, the protagonist of A Symphony of Rivals, music is her purpose. Music is her refuge. Music is her God.
Music, as the universal language, provides an uplifting side to the story. In curating the music selections for each chapter of the book, I considered whether the composition was tied to a particular historical event, or if it fulfilled the mood of a character. A large selection of conductors and composers are highlighted in the story. I also included two of my own compositions. The genres of music selected range from classical to choral, from popular to jazz. There are more than fifty musical works outlined in A Symphony of Rivals.
The more difficult areas to navigate in the novel were those that described the emerging political atmosphere, how culture and art fell under the influence of Nazism, the plight of the characters, and the policies that affected many of its citizens so adversely.
LOVY: Why is Beethoven such a significant presence in this story? What does his spirit bring to a narrative when so much of civilization was in peril?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: Since much of the story takes place in Germany, I was especially interested in giving particular focus to a German-born composer. Beyond Ludwig van Beethoven’s musical genius was his love of humanity, expressed through music, but also expressed in his words. Beethoven’s legacy is compelling worldwide. I decided to make it part of the story as a way to distinguish opposing forces and ideologies during a disturbing period in modern history. Beethoven’s spirit acts as a moral compass that contrasts to the political climate of the time.
Beethoven’s ideals, inspiring life, including his struggles, are present in Alejandra’s awareness, and they provide hope and strength as she confronts dilemmas and terrifying situations in the story. And if I may share a Beethoven quote, which I include in the book: “Music is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind cannot comprehend.”
LOVY: One theme is keeping your principles and integrity during a time when these things are challenged constantly. Are you also drawing parallels to today?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: Parallels seem to be a recurring theme given history. Many questions about art in the public arena, politics, philosophy, etc. do get asked in the narrative, but it is up to the reader to decide whether there are parallels to today.
I have always been intrigued by the inner workings of the mind, and in A Symphony of Rivals, it was necessary to challenge the characters’ principles and integrity.
These are people whose choices, right or wrong, are tied to their psychological makeup, their experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. The core of their character is uncovered through their interactions with others and through the situations they confront amidst ongoing uncertainty.
LOVY: How much does your Latin heritage influence your writing and your music?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: It’s immense. My parents had a deep appreciation for the humanities. A love of music was instilled in me at a young age. Latin culture is greatly invested in music and art. In the novel, I discuss the era of Mexican Salon Music with its gorgeous waltzes and other classical music composed by Mexican composers like Rosas, Mora, and Ponce. This style of music influenced my own music. I also grew up listening to the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Sibelius, Tchaikovsky but also Porter, Gershwin, Ellington, Jobim, and many others. I’m constantly inspired by these artists.
My writing is influenced by Magical Realism, notably the works of Allende, Borges, Garcia Márquez, and Rulfo. In A Symphony of Rivals, I draw upon the real world but love to sprinkle the narrative with supernatural passages, through dreams, which link to the protagonist’s subconscious.
LOVY: With the rise of audiobooks, do you feel like the time is right to combine music and prose?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: Yes. In my first book, A Song in My Heart, I included an album with an original soundtrack. Readers are able to listen to a track related to the chapter if they wish. For A Symphony of Rivals, readers may listen to the music that corresponds with many chapters by visiting my website at www.RomaStocks.com.
I do believe that, thanks to technology, the time has come to provide readers with various simultaneous experiences. Reading a book may be enhanced by listening to the music that accompanies a particular section of the narrative. Imagine films without music. It’s impossible. I hope readers will enjoy the experience of reading my novels alongside the chosen musical pieces.
LOVY: What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing and composing?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: Art and music. I can’t get enough. I love to go to concerts and dedicate time to volunteering for art organizations. The arts are the veins that run through my novels. I watch documentaries. There’s so much to learn. My work and daily activities are often seamlessly connected. Sometimes when I see a beautiful landscape or encounter a curious situation, they instantly connect me to a story I’m working on. The experience becomes part of my character’s realm. It’s an endless stream of ideas and senses flowing in and out of my real and fictional worlds.
LOVY: Can you give us a peek into Part III of the trilogy? Like the others, will it delve into themes involving moral choices in the face of terrible circumstances?
CALATAYUD-STOCKS: The title will be An Ode to Joy. It will be set in other countries, and it will reveal two parallel stories during different times. The narrative will be accompanied by an entirely new selection of musical compositions.
One of the messages I hope to convey in all three books is that individuals always have the choice to be kind and honorable to others despite terrible circumstances or risk to themselves. In doing my research, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Dr. Alexander White, who is a Holocaust survivor, and was saved by being on Schindler’s list. I interviewed him about three years ago, and his life was very inspirational to me. He wrote a book, to honor his father, titled Be a Mensch.
Well, I recently saw Dr. White again. He’s about 94 now and still as generous and kind as I remembered him from a few years ago. We discussed that philosophy that we both share. He is someone who embodies it wholeheartedly. His philosophy confirmed my own desire to make that focus an inspirational side to my stories.
HOWARD LOVY writes book reviews and conducts author interviews for Calumet Editions, LLC. Previously he was executive editor at Foreword Reviews and directed news coverage and analysis on Foreword’s website and Foreword’s Clarion book review service. Howard is a veteran journalist, spending the past 30 years working for newspapers, magazines, wire services, and websites as a reporter and editor.
