Rani's New Works: Ghostly Echoes and Wartime Resilience

Polish composer and pianist Hania Rani premiered two distinct new works, "Shining" and "Non Fiction," to an engaged audience in London. "Shining," a 40-minute piece for a 12-piece ensemble, drew inspiration from Jon Fosse's minimalist storytelling, creating a haunting "ghost story" atmosphere through shifting motifs and atmospheric soundscapes, reminiscent of composers like Steve Reich.

Her second premiere, the piano concerto "Non Fiction," was a deeply personal five-year project honoring Josima Feldschuh, a young pianist who lived through the Warsaw ghetto. The music aimed to channel human resilience with ethereal and somber passages, featuring Rani performing on both upright and grand pianos against a large orchestra.

Despite the conceptual depth of "Non Fiction," the performance faced critical balance issues. The piano part was often obscured by the lush orchestration, diminishing the impact of Rani's composition. While "Shining" succeeded in its minimalist aims, the concerto's potential was hampered by sonic imbalances, leaving the audience with a bittersweet impression of Rani's latest offerings.