Risto Mejide recently appeared on Ana Rosa’s program to promote Sixteen Notes, Bach’s Secret Passion, his new work. The book presents a fictional exploration of the life of Johann Sebastian Bach and a younger companion who is 16 years his junior. Mejide clarifies that the work is a novel, not a conventional biography, and emphasizes its imaginative nature in an interview with Telecinco magazine.
During the chat, Ana Rosa returned to questions about the public reactions to Mejide’s personal life, particularly the age gap in his relationship with Laura Escanes. Mejide acknowledged the ongoing discussion and defended his stance. The host pressed for clarity, prompting Mejide to reiterate that the relationship is a personal matter and that it involves committed adults who have chosen to be together.
Mejide offered statistics to illustrate how common age differences are in contemporary relationships. He noted that there are millions of adults and many couples in the country, and he argued that public scrutiny over age differences is not a reliable measure of a relationship’s authenticity. He also shared that some readers have written to him with mixed feelings, including concerns about public perception and personal pressure to alter relationships. The author stated that these responses played a part in shaping the novel’s narrative arc and its underlying message that personal choices deserve space and respect.
The interview touched on Mejide’s motivation for writing the book. He explained that the fictional thread mirrors real conversations and messages from readers who have faced judgment or online criticism. Mejide described the difficulty of being labeled unfairly and highlighted the emotional toll that such labeling can take on individuals and families. He framed the work as a response to the voices he has heard from readers who ask for stories that reflect empathy and nuance rather than sensationalism.
Beyond the discussion of the book itself, the conversation shifted to Mejide’s emotional state. When asked if he is in love, he confirmed his feelings, prompting a lighthearted remark from the host about the pace of public revelation. Mejide noted that there is a difference between what media outlets report and the lived reality behind personal relationships, stressing the importance of context and consent in private matters. He underscored that media coverage can distort the truth, and he encouraged audiences to consider the human side of every story.
[Citation: Telecinco interview coverage and program notes from Ana Rosa and Telecinco Magazine.]