„Ad astra“ takes it's title from Latin phrase „Per aspera ad astra“ – through hardship to the stars. Piece is conceived as a personal poem and is dedicated to my wife Dubravka who is pianist herself. Work's dramaturgy follows a buildup of juvenile emotional and existential struggles, determination to overpower them and final excitement of happiness, love and fulfillment. Thematic built is based on musical cryptograms which reveal the names Dubravka and Bruno, as well as the initials D&B which unite them. Their mutual relation and juxtaposition bear the symbolism of intimate nature which through anxious concerns of opening transforms itself to it's joyful dimension as the piece progresses towards the end. Through harmonic colouring and expression the piece echoes French piano tradition beside notable influence of Bartók, Scriabin and Ligeti.