SIENA LOOPS Julius Asal | Deutsche Grammophon

With his upcoming EP Siena Loops, pianist Julius Asal continues the musical world he first introduced on his second DG album Siena Tapes. The EP further explores the Ravel-inspired sound universe of its predecessor, expanding it through new perspectives, improvisations, and live-recorded moments. 

At the heart of the programme are the Cascades – improvised pieces that transform with each performance, constantly taking on new colours, shapes, and identities. Several tracks were recorded live at the release event at ConcertLab Utrecht, capturing the spontaneity and openness that define the project.  

As its title suggests, Siena Loops approaches the loop not as simple repetition, but as a hypnotic process of transformation. Improvisations such as Cascade IV and January Zero blend electronic textures with spontaneous musical dialogue, extending the narrative threads of earlier releases. The result is an intimate sonic world that reveals ever-changing shades of simplicity, beauty, and quiet melancholy. 

Listen to a pre-release track of Ravel’s Prélude in A minor performed on an upright piano. The full EP is released digitally on 16 October.