“Idea 10” by composer Gibran Alcocer has captured the world’s attention since its release in 2022. The minimalist piano piece sparked a surge of interest online, prompting audiences worldwide to delve deeper into the world of contemporary classical music and create their own interpretations. Today, we’re checking out Yannick Lowack’s cover of “Idea 10,” which perfectly suits the song’s minimalist style and mood, with just his hands running across the piano keys in a dimly lit room.
Hailing from Yucatan, Alcocer began studying classical piano and composition at the age of 12. He joined TikTok in 2021 and found an audience thanks to his incredible cover versions of popular songs. However, he began releasing original music in 2022, in a series of “Ideas” that he wrote during a series of daily musical sketches. Each piece in the collection is numbered; however, it was “Idea 10” that marked his debut original release. Its emotional clarity captivated the world on TikTok, garnering millions of views.
As is the case with many things, his beautiful art came from moments of strife. When EarMilk asked about what prompted him to release his original music, Alcocer replied, “I was going through a hard time in my life, my parents pushed me into releasing my own music instead of just covers. If it wasn’t because of that, all my songs would stay in my computer forever. I never really imagined the connection people will reach with it.”
For his debut, “Idea 10” is a very mature composition. Alcocer wrote it in 3/4 time, which gives a lilting bounce to the feel. It features minimalist melodies and subtle rhythmic figures that evoke a sense of melancholy. The repetition of its melodic lines create a sort of meditiation that has been used countless times by content creators to add depth and emotion to their own work.
As Vaibhvi Patel of The Classical Critic explains, “There is a melancholic and contemplative feeling behind each piece that can’t help but make you reminisce. There is something about the highs and lows of each note played on the piano in these tracks that truly spark my love for classical music.”
All of this led to “Idea 10” becoming the world’s most-streamed classical song. Alcocer has reached over 1 billion streams in his catalog and has gone on to work with award-winning producers like Tainy and DJ Atmozfears.
All of this is not lost on Alcocer, who reflected on his triumphs with humility and grace.
“It has been the best moment of my life, now I get to work and make a living from the thing I love to do more, music,” he said. “It just feels amazing to know other people connect with my music. For a long time, I made it for myself, thinking I was the only person going to hear it. This has changed my life completely.”
Now that you know the story of “Idea 10,” it’s your turn to add your own voice to it. Follow along with the sheet music below.
