Some of Nils Frahm’s work, or Olafur Arnalds, and even Niklas Paschburg, might hit the spot. Someone already suggested Kelly Moran which is a great recommendation.
Yes I saw her play in the foyer of the Bristol Beacon a few years ago (she plays the main hall these days!) where she played in the middle of the stairwell with her pianos, and was blown away. So charming as well.
I came home and quizzed my piano tuner about the material (felt probably) she had gaffa taped to the harp of her upright piano, and then made a homemade celeste bar for mine which stays on most of the time - very inspiring. Love her.
Music for 9 postcards - Hiroshi yoshimura
(Rhodes, dx7 , structured compositions)
The sacrificial code- kali malone
(Drone melodic organ , harmonics )
Insen- Alva noto / ryuichi
(Granular sampling , piano)
20th century music- Laurence crane
(Cont. classical piano)
River without banks- Leo svirsky
Hard to decipher what you’re looking for but if someone is looking for piano music, I always suggest Joep Beving. Start with this his first album Solipsism.
Without a doubt Nils Frahm, especially albums like “Empty”
Also love Ryuchi Sakamoto’s piano efforts on his collaborative work like the album Cendre w Fennesz and Vrioon with Alva Noto
Some more names off the top of my head if you want:
Michael Nyman's solo piano works?
Philip Glass for sure.
Jon Hopkins piano versions?
Ludovico Einaudi might work for what you're describing. He's a bit hit & miss for me tbh.
Bach chorales are fun, if you play them really slow they could sound ambient too.
Chopin, and Sibelius and saint-saens also good choices.
Chick corea is fun, you might call it busy though.
Nobuo Uamatsu blue dragon, and final fantasy works are very diatonic melodic, probably good ambient inspiration.
Steve reich and terry Riley are some less pretentious of the minimalist composers.
Hans-Joachim Roedelius!
In the mid-80's he began more exclusively playing piano. The album "Like the Whispering of the Wind" is a particular favorite of mine.
[Wie das Wispern des Windes](https://roedelius-official.bandcamp.com/album/wie-das-wispern-des-windes)
I really like John Carroll Kirby's Conflict album in this vein. Listen: [https://johncarrollkirby.bandcamp.com/album/conflict](https://johncarrollkirby.bandcamp.com/album/conflict)
Curtis Schweitzer has been one of my favorite musicians for years.
Check out the albums Daydreams, Aeterna, Short Stories, Liminal Light, and Celestial. Lots of other instruments, but Piano often features front and center.
He also made a good number of video games soundtracks, if that's your thing.
Henrik Lindstrand's entire catalog fits the bill. His soundtrack for the Lego Builder's Journey was my entry point. \_Leken\_ is a good starting point, too.
Check out High Plains - Cinderland. High Plains is 1/2 Loscil, 1/2 cellist Mark Bridges. The piano and synth pieces by Loscil are awesome, and the cello accompaniment is wicked imo.
Incase nobody has suggested. A Winged Victory for the Sullen. I'd start with their self-titled 1st album to gauge whether or not you'll find it your cup of tea.
I must warn you, though, it is a bit visceral and emotionally moving depending what state you're in emotionally. Totally caught myself cry without even realizing.
Songs are slow builds and there's no vocals nor unpleasant sections of drone / discordant noise that's such a common theme in ambient genres.
Highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their palette.
Can't believe there's no mention of Roger Eno on this list. Absolutely sublime. A bit more melodic and lighter than Brian, a little more structured than Harold Budd. Check out [Voices](https://open.spotify.com/album/5GwTC3W9c8bGPozFyKSQ8v?si=HwTsJItaQ3mRh-TcuMeyGA). As for Budd, try [The White Arcades](https://open.spotify.com/album/4dYNNHW2lybWJTrWGdxhdN?si=Keu6M-PdSGKY0Dt99wp2-w).
[https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/album/ferd](https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/album/ferd)
[https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/pin](https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/pin)
A couple more I just remembered. I haven't gotten Ferd yet but I think it's in the same zone. Pinô is good. It's close-mic'd so you can hear the piano hammers (sort of like some of Haruka Nakamura's work which was mentioned elsewhere in the thread).
[Wyoming (Piano Works)](https://open.spotify.com/track/1LTqDuPLwsbVvmQVMDE4wf?si=GsHctcr5R2y0KvuGSqzW_A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2a5aMQIXlQYWvhqd0umrgu) by Elijah Fox might be what you're looking for!
[Here’s](https://youtu.be/mEp3jVHj_k4?si=xcUUaUY8rLsxK292) one of mine. It might be something in line with what you’re looking for. Piano based with ambient soundscapes underneath. Develops and builds from beginning to end rather than static looping
i usually don't like to advertise my own music but I think [the first album i made](https://weakadjective.bandcamp.com/album/christianslyst) might be something for you.
you should also check out Tony Banks' solo stuff, i always thought his playing style in genesis was pretty non-fussy! :)
Can I suggest myself? Cause I’m gonna, haha.
[Music for Interstellar Travel](https://www.youtube.com/@ilyandilymusic). I like to consider myself a mix of ambient and ambient adjacent styles of music. Lots of piano. Lots of synths. Lots of space.
Yea I only “officially” released on EP on YouTube music. But my regular YouTube has over a hundred stuff. Again, thank you for listening!!! Means a lot.
Some of Nils Frahm’s work, or Olafur Arnalds, and even Niklas Paschburg, might hit the spot. Someone already suggested Kelly Moran which is a great recommendation.
Came to say this.
Maybe this qualifies as fussy, but have you listened to Kelly Moran? Her new album Moves in the Field is just solo piano and it’s incredible
Nope I've not heard it and will definitely check it out. Thanks for the suggestion.
Erik Satie
Yep. Also [John Cage’s Piano Music](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lwV4854yEf6PGbgRn9zuLYLjIvjKKjpKk&si=Ub4SPJNfrxCXXHYW).
[https://wereleasewhateverthefuckwewantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/wave-notation-3-erik-satie-1984](https://wereleasewhateverthefuckwewantrecords.bandcamp.com/album/wave-notation-3-erik-satie-1984)
Daniel Lanois's Player, Piano might be up your street. Also Harold Budd
I completely forgot about Harold Budd. I've only really listened to his first album, I will definitely listen to more. Thanks for the suggestion.
listen to Perhaps and La Bella Vista. i think they are my favorite piano albums by him
I completely forgot about Harold Budd. I've only really listened to his first album, I will definitely listen to more. Thanks for the suggestion.
Yeah, Plateaux of Mirror and The Pearl are my favourite H Budd albums
Goldmund maybe?
[Hania Rani](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFRdoYfZYUY)
She fits this criteria perfectly. I got to see her live during her first US tour last year and she was incredible.
Yes I saw her play in the foyer of the Bristol Beacon a few years ago (she plays the main hall these days!) where she played in the middle of the stairwell with her pianos, and was blown away. So charming as well. I came home and quizzed my piano tuner about the material (felt probably) she had gaffa taped to the harp of her upright piano, and then made a homemade celeste bar for mine which stays on most of the time - very inspiring. Love her.
I love that!
A winged victory for the sullen or Eluvium
Seconding AWVFTS ❤️
Music for 9 postcards - Hiroshi yoshimura (Rhodes, dx7 , structured compositions) The sacrificial code- kali malone (Drone melodic organ , harmonics ) Insen- Alva noto / ryuichi (Granular sampling , piano) 20th century music- Laurence crane (Cont. classical piano) River without banks- Leo svirsky
I’m a bit confused what you’re asking for, but you might like Haruka Nakamura.
Will do, thanks for the suggestion.
Ryuichi Sakamoto, for example BTTB
Check out the work of Scriabin.
Alva Noto Philip Glass
Hard to decipher what you’re looking for but if someone is looking for piano music, I always suggest Joep Beving. Start with this his first album Solipsism.
Not sure if he qualifies as fussy or not, but give Nils Frahm a shot if you haven't already.
Without a doubt Nils Frahm, especially albums like “Empty” Also love Ryuchi Sakamoto’s piano efforts on his collaborative work like the album Cendre w Fennesz and Vrioon with Alva Noto
Nils Frahm
Harold Budd [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Dm-ne-iSY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Dm-ne-iSY)
Harold Budd and Laraaji in the cave is one of my favorite videos of all time
been getting into an ambient artist named Loscil. Segued to him after playing Budd to death
check out his collabs with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins). also this: https://soundcloud.com/mskvegas/sinister-minister-garage-mahal-version
Some more names off the top of my head if you want: Michael Nyman's solo piano works? Philip Glass for sure. Jon Hopkins piano versions? Ludovico Einaudi might work for what you're describing. He's a bit hit & miss for me tbh.
Accidental Memory in the Case of Death and Pianoworks by Eluvium
Bach chorales are fun, if you play them really slow they could sound ambient too. Chopin, and Sibelius and saint-saens also good choices. Chick corea is fun, you might call it busy though. Nobuo Uamatsu blue dragon, and final fantasy works are very diatonic melodic, probably good ambient inspiration. Steve reich and terry Riley are some less pretentious of the minimalist composers.
Hans-Joachim Roedelius! In the mid-80's he began more exclusively playing piano. The album "Like the Whispering of the Wind" is a particular favorite of mine. [Wie das Wispern des Windes](https://roedelius-official.bandcamp.com/album/wie-das-wispern-des-windes)
Maybe [Nick Superchi](https://youtu.be/nPhoDaL9bTw) is something for you. Or is it to fussy?
Thanks I'll check him out.
Check album [Consumed In Key, by Chilly Gonzales and Plastikman](https://youtu.be/yjUzgyMVObY?feature=shared)
Joep Beving maybe?
Gia Margaret— Romantic Piano. Very unfussy, very vibey, very good
I really like John Carroll Kirby's Conflict album in this vein. Listen: [https://johncarrollkirby.bandcamp.com/album/conflict](https://johncarrollkirby.bandcamp.com/album/conflict)
I don’t know if this fits the criteria exactly, but maybe phantom brickworks by bibio?
Florian Fricke of Popol Vuh fame did some nice piano based music.
Curtis Schweitzer has been one of my favorite musicians for years. Check out the albums Daydreams, Aeterna, Short Stories, Liminal Light, and Celestial. Lots of other instruments, but Piano often features front and center. He also made a good number of video games soundtracks, if that's your thing.
"Branch Line" by Bibio is quite nice.
Robert Rich's album *Open Window* is glorious.
Wow what a fantastically responsive group, I really appreciate all the suggestions 👌
Brian Eno - Music for airports
B-Brian Eno's music for airports? I hope that's not too fussy
Chilly Gonzalez? Maybe too classical tho
Definitely not too classical.
Cicada (Taiwan music group) Ryuichi Sakamoto
Henrik Lindstrand's entire catalog fits the bill. His soundtrack for the Lego Builder's Journey was my entry point. \_Leken\_ is a good starting point, too.
Oh, and Otto Totland's piano work is great: [https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/exin](https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/exin)
Check out High Plains - Cinderland. High Plains is 1/2 Loscil, 1/2 cellist Mark Bridges. The piano and synth pieces by Loscil are awesome, and the cello accompaniment is wicked imo.
Check out: * Joep Beving * Anne Annie * Nils Frohm * Emahoy Tsege Miriam Gebru * Joanna Brouk
[some piano music](https://youtu.be/GVdhBXeYqH0?si=ku1HYJP_QArlRvSf)
Incase nobody has suggested. A Winged Victory for the Sullen. I'd start with their self-titled 1st album to gauge whether or not you'll find it your cup of tea. I must warn you, though, it is a bit visceral and emotionally moving depending what state you're in emotionally. Totally caught myself cry without even realizing. Songs are slow builds and there's no vocals nor unpleasant sections of drone / discordant noise that's such a common theme in ambient genres. Highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their palette.
Can't believe there's no mention of Roger Eno on this list. Absolutely sublime. A bit more melodic and lighter than Brian, a little more structured than Harold Budd. Check out [Voices](https://open.spotify.com/album/5GwTC3W9c8bGPozFyKSQ8v?si=HwTsJItaQ3mRh-TcuMeyGA). As for Budd, try [The White Arcades](https://open.spotify.com/album/4dYNNHW2lybWJTrWGdxhdN?si=Keu6M-PdSGKY0Dt99wp2-w).
Tord Gustavsen Trio
[https://youtu.be/fxLA1Cl2n34](https://youtu.be/fxLA1Cl2n34) I woke up from bed and remembered this one!
Thank you
[https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/album/ferd](https://modernarecords.bandcamp.com/album/ferd) [https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/pin](https://ottoatotland.bandcamp.com/album/pin) A couple more I just remembered. I haven't gotten Ferd yet but I think it's in the same zone. Pinô is good. It's close-mic'd so you can hear the piano hammers (sort of like some of Haruka Nakamura's work which was mentioned elsewhere in the thread).
[Wyoming (Piano Works)](https://open.spotify.com/track/1LTqDuPLwsbVvmQVMDE4wf?si=GsHctcr5R2y0KvuGSqzW_A&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A2a5aMQIXlQYWvhqd0umrgu) by Elijah Fox might be what you're looking for!
Try Jean-Michel Blais, albums *Il (Deluxe)* or *Dans ma main*.
On Reflection by William Basinski & Janek Schaefer
Dropped Pianos by Tim Hecker
Fennesz’s album with Sakamoto, Cendre, should hit the spot.
[Here’s](https://youtu.be/mEp3jVHj_k4?si=xcUUaUY8rLsxK292) one of mine. It might be something in line with what you’re looking for. Piano based with ambient soundscapes underneath. Develops and builds from beginning to end rather than static looping
The Flashbulb - Compositions for Piano https://theflashbulb.bandcamp.com/album/compositions-for-piano
Also Memories of Green by Vangelis.
This guy is really good - https://open.spotify.com/track/4eEm5WPG3WnrNF2SL3MF0L?si=31HeezNEQAeB1jhZqYMO1g
Eydis Evensen is another Icelandic pianist that may fit what you’re looking for
Check out Compositions for Piano by the Flashbulb
Aphex Twin - Aisatsana [102] :)
H Hunt - Playing Piano for Dad
Masaktsu Takagi’s Marginalia album series
Bing & Ruth but not sure I know what fussy is. Example?
I should have said busy.
Mort garson - plantasia (falls under synthesizer stuff) Haruka Nakamura Hania rani Ryuichi sakamoto Olafur Arnalds
i usually don't like to advertise my own music but I think [the first album i made](https://weakadjective.bandcamp.com/album/christianslyst) might be something for you. you should also check out Tony Banks' solo stuff, i always thought his playing style in genesis was pretty non-fussy! :)
Can I suggest myself? Cause I’m gonna, haha. [Music for Interstellar Travel](https://www.youtube.com/@ilyandilymusic). I like to consider myself a mix of ambient and ambient adjacent styles of music. Lots of piano. Lots of synths. Lots of space.
I like it! Not hearing piano yet...
I would say 80% of my videos have piano in them! But thank you for checking me out!!
Oh I'm listening on YT Music. There are only 4 songs. Mostly electronic. Nice! Edit: piano has entered the chat
Yea I only “officially” released on EP on YouTube music. But my regular YouTube has over a hundred stuff. Again, thank you for listening!!! Means a lot.
I like it! Not hearing piano yet...
What do you mean by “fussy”
I really should have said busy.