SIENA TAPES Julius Asal | Deutsche Grammophon

German pianist Julius Asal’s upcoming second DG album Siena Tapes features a selection of pieces by Ravel, a new composition by the producer of the album, Christian Badzura, as well as three new improvisational pieces Cascades I-III, written by Asal himself. 

Originally conceived as a 150th-anniversary tribute to Ravel, the album grew into a very personal project during the writing and recording process. “In a miraculous way,” he notes, “Ravel had access to all sound colours. Even his more subtle works for piano contain shades and forces that you would usually find only in a complex symphony.” All of the pieces were recorded at American record producer Rick Rubin’s Chapel in Siena in September 2024. 

Listen to a third pre-release track of Christian Badzura’s Petites Vagues. The full album will be released digitally, on CD as well as vinyl on 29 August and is now available for pre-order.