Hania Rani
Polish Pianist & Contemporary ComposerBiography
Hania Rani (born Hanna Raniszewska in 1990) is a Polish pianist, composer, and singer who has emerged as one of contemporary classical music’s most captivating voices. Born and raised in Gdańsk, Poland, Rani began her musical journey at the early age of six, demonstrating a natural affinity for the piano that would later define her career.
After completing her formal education at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw and later at the Conservatory in Berlin, Rani established herself across two creative hubs – Warsaw and Berlin – where she continued to develop her unique musical identity that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut solo album Esja in 2019, which captivated listeners with its delicate yet powerful piano compositions. Since then, Rani has built a remarkable career as both a performer and composer, creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide through its emotional depth and atmospheric qualities.
Musical Journey
Hania Rani’s musical career began with classical training but quickly expanded beyond traditional boundaries. After graduating from prestigious music institutions in both Poland and Germany, she began crafting her distinctive sound that blends elements of classical, ambient, and electronic music.
The pivotal moment in her career came with her 2019 solo debut Esja, which showcased her minimalist yet emotionally resonant approach to piano composition. Her follow-up album Home (2020) further cemented her reputation, expanding her sonic palette to include electronics and vocal elements.
Explore Key Milestones & Collaborations
- Collaborated with cellist Dobrawa Czocher on the album Biała Flaga (2015), featuring contemporary interpretations of compositions Polish musician Grzegorz Ciechowski
- Released Esja (2019) on Gondwana Records to critical acclaim
- Composed music for theater and film projects, culminating in the release of Music for Film and Theatre (2021)
- Created the score for the Amazon Prime series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2023)
- Released Ghosts (2023), an album that explores more electronic textures and vocal elements
- Recorded Nostalgia (2024), her first live album performed with a 45-piece orchestra
Discography
- Nostalgia (Live) (2024) Listen Live orchestral performances recorded with the Manchester Collective.
- Ghosts (2023) Listen A hauntingly beautiful album exploring electronic textures alongside piano works.
- On Giacometti (2022) Listen Inspired the work of sculptor Alberto Giacometti.
- Music for Film and Theatre (2021) Listen Collection of compositions created for theatrical and cinematic works.
- Home (2020) Listen Her second solo album, expanding her sound with electronic elements and vocals.
- Esja (2019) Listen Her breakthrough debut solo piano album that brought her international acclaim.
Live Performances
Hania Rani is renowned for her captivating live performances that transform studio recordings into immersive experiences. Her concerts often feature mesmerizing piano work combined with subtle electronic elements and occasional vocals, creating deeply emotional soundscapes that captivate audiences worldwide.
Musical Style
Hania Rani’s music defies easy categorization, blending elements of neoclassical, ambient, minimalism, and electronic music. Her compositions are characterized spacious, atmospheric piano work with a distinctive touch that’s both delicate and powerful. Her influences range widely from classical composers to contemporary artists.
Compositional Approach
- Minimalist structures with evolving motifs
- Exploration of space and silence as musical elements
- Harmonic progressions that evoke strong emotional responses
- Integration of field recordings and ambient textures
- Strategic use of repetition to create hypnotic effects
Notable Influences
- Max Richter
- Nils Frahm
- Esbjörn Svensson
- Miles Davis
- Radiohead
- Classical Polish composers like Krzysztof Komeda
About her piano technique and approach
Legacy & Impact
Though still early in her career, Hania Rani has already made significant contributions to contemporary piano music:
- Bridging the gap between classical training and modern composition techniques
- Attracting younger audiences to instrumental and neoclassical music
- Inspiring a wave of contemporary pianists to explore minimalism and atmospheric composition
- Showcasing Polish musical heritage on international stages
- Breaking gender barriers in composition and production
“I think the most important thing is to be vulnerable and open as an artist, because that’s when you can really reach people with your music.” – Hania Rani
Gallery
Watch Hania Rani
Show full concert: Hania Rani live at Invalides in Paris for Cercle
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Live from Studio S2
An intimate studio performance featuring tracks from “Esja” and “Home”.
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Tiny Desk Concert
Her mesmerizing NPR Tiny Desk performance.
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On Giacometti: Live at Atelier in Stampa
A beautiful performance in Giacometti’s workspace.
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Ghosts Album Launch Concert
Complete album performance from Studio 1, Polish Radio, Warsaw.
