Sheet music: https://www.claudioconstantini.com/product-page/kuura-bandoneon-solo  
 
Kuura, a piece for bandoneon.  
 
At 18, moving to Finland was a transformative experience. I had never traveled or lived independently before, so adapting to a new culture, learning a challenging language, and facing extreme weather were daunting at first. However, I gradually embraced it all, discovering the resilience of the human spirit. The frozen lakes, roadways over ice, and ice fishing left me fascinated and led to a newfound passion for this seemingly absurd but deeply peaceful activity.  
 
Ice fishing introduced me to the quiet magic of Finnish winters—sitting in silence under a starry sky, sometimes accompanied by the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis. The cold was an ever-present challenge, with frost forming on everything, but the simple warmth of black coffee and the mesmerizing frost-covered landscape made it worthwhile.  
 
Inspired by these winters, I composed Kuura, a piece named after the Finnish word for "Frost." Its melancholy yet joyful tone reflects the unique spirit of Finns—hospitable, empathetic, and deeply connected to their environment. I hope it transports listeners into the enchanting world of a Finnish winter.