Ludovico Einaudi released his new album ‘The Summer Portraits’ on Friday 31st January. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most well-known composers alive today and is the most streamed composer on the planet. For the Einaudi lovers out there, we have compiled a list of 10 Einaudi songs to play on the piano, ranked from easiest to hardest. Scroll down to explore the whole list and get inspired.
1. I Due Fiumi
This song is simple, slow and has repetitive patterns. It’s a great starting point for beginners. A tranquil song, the lefthand keeps a steady repetitive motion, allowing you to really get into the feeling of the piece.
You can find I Due Fiumi and many more similar pieces here:
2. Melodia Africana II
Another straightforward piece with a gentle, flowing melody. It is part of Einaudi's "Melodia Africana" series, which reflects his exploration of African musical themes and rhythms. The piece is characterized by its minimalist style, featuring repetitive and evolving melodies that create a meditative and evocative atmosphere.
Find both Melodia Afriana I and II here:
3. Bella Notte
Not to be confused with the iconic Bella Notte from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, this song is soft and atmospheric, with easy left-hand patterns.
As is fitting with the title 'Bella Notte' or 'beautiful night', find this song and more in Faber's Night Time Anthology.
4. I Giorni
Slightly more complex with repetitive arpeggios but still beginner-friendly. With a mesmerising melody, this song’s repetition means that once you master it it is a joy to play.
You can find this piece in one of our best-sellers, The Peaceful Piano Playlist.
5. Le Onde
A dreamy and wave-like composition. There is more movement in the left hand, but repetitive patterns help with learning.
Find Le Onde as well as I Giorni, Primavera and many more in Einaudi's Islands.
6. Una Mattina
This piece is relatively easy and is very pretty. You might recognise it from the Intouchables soundtrack. However, it is more dynamic, with some jumps and hand independence required, causing it to be further down our list.
7. Nouvelle Bianche
This is one of his most famous and emotional pieces. It isn’t too difficult and can be a popular song for people trying to start playing Einaudi. It is emotional and expressive, requiring good control and phrasing.
8. Primavera
This song has a faster pace and more intricate patterns in both hands. It is a bright, uplifting piece with repetitive patterns.
Find Primavera as well as I Giorni, Le Onde and many more in the book opposite:
9. Divenire
Divenire is the title track of Einaudi's 2006 album. It requires good hand independence, expressive dynamics, and stamina. This song builds beautifully with a flowing melody.
10. Experience
It wouldn’t be an Einaudi list without Experience, his most-streamed song. This song is dynamic and deeply moving. It is the hardest on this list due to its fast, repeating arpeggios and evolving complexity.
Einaudi's The Summer Portaits: Piano Solo is Available to Buy Now!
Inspired by memories of his youth in Torino and recorded across Abbey Road Studios and his home studio, the album features 13 tracks, including the lead singles Rose Bay and Pathos.
“I always considered Torino a place I would never go back to live. It was very grey, very industrial – I felt like I was in a cage,” Einaudi shares. “It’s a strange place, very poetic in a way. The soul of the people is more hidden. They don’t show things off – you have to find the dynamism inside yourself…"
This exclusive, official folio presents all 13 pieces from the album in piano solo format.
Want to Explore More of Einaudi's Work?
In Summary
- I Due Fiumi
- Melodia Africana II
- Bella Notte
- I Giorni
- Le Onde
- Una Mattina
- Nouvelle Bianche
- Primavera
- Divenire
- Experience