It is safe to say that Ashot Danielyan is a maestro of his art, a remarkably gifted pianist and creative improviser who enjoys worldwide recognition for the unusual talent of creating entrancing, mesmerizing melodies within an incredibly broad range of music genres, from the classical elegance of Classical to the mystical atmosphere of Ambient, New Age, and Experimental. However, even though his musical interests and skills are extremely versatile, the piano still stands out as his true passion and favorite musical instrument, being the core element of almost all his compositions. With every performance he gives, Danielyan keeps impressing the audience around the world with his incredible improvisational skills and emotionally rich music, which resonates with people’s souls. “Make Classical Music Great Again” is the title of his most recent album released on September 25, 2026. Get yourself a hot drink and let us start right away.
The album begins with “Beginning Of This April”, which does not begin with a crashing, thundering sound, but with a beautiful, single-note mid-range tune that sounds as if it is being played in an empty room or intimate setting and then gradually opens up to create a flowing arpeggio. Musically, the whole track is supported by the sheer beauty of a grand piano, which has been used brilliantly to capture dynamic fluctuations that have all the elements of life within them. The effect is immediately sobering and reflective, leading one to enter a state of meditation right from the beginning of the album.
Moving into a darker and more somber atmosphere, “Cold Flowers” opens up with a raw and low-voiced chord sequence played with deliberate hesitation, instantly giving way to a chilly mood until the fragile high-treble melody falls from above like melting ice. The music in “Cold Flowers” uses minimalistic phrasing and expressive silences, making room for the warm and wooden sound of the piano itself. It touches you deep within, seemingly reminding you of your own sadness and how hard the grip of winter is.
“The Middle of This April” starts with an unexpected, uplifting burst of soft, glacial, interlocked phrases played so that it continues the pulsing bass line in chord form, ending the cold spell with a reawakened energy. The instrumental piece is full of brightness and fluidity, highlighting the perfect fingering skills of Danielyan as well as his gift to turn his impromptu playing into a perfectly thought-out classical study.
Creating a more soothing and nighttime atmosphere, “Warm May Night” comes softly in with the help of a sustained major seventh chord which gradually disintegrates into a relaxing lullaby-like rhythm played in the low to middle range. The music is full of romanticism through the use of soft pedals and a velvety touch that captures the experience of a cold night breeze blowing in from open windows. The piece creates a very comforting experience for the listeners by enveloping them in a safe and nostalgic hug.
“Middle Of This July” starts with a vibrant, sunny, and staccato chord hit, which immediately suggests the warm light of summertime, followed by a graceful melody that ascends upwards. The sound palette has a vibrant energy because of the precise rhythm and the more spacious voicing of the piano, which makes it sound vast and alive. Overall, it is a vibrant emotional high point which transforms the story of this album from introspection to the bright light of summertime.
The composition “9 Days Until August (In Tribute to Frederic Chopin)” begins with a majestic single-note introduction imbued with gravitas, followed by an extensive romantic harmonic section. As far as music is concerned, Danielyan pays homage to his traditions by using a sophisticated technique of rubato in his music and dynamic contrasts in delivery that evoke the timelessness of Chopin yet make it relevant to the present-day world. The result is stunning and heartbreaking at the same time, making the audience stop and listen as the piano wails in poetic despair.
“All the Worlds Are Funny” is the closing track of the album. It begins with a quirky and somewhat funny syncopated musical theme in the middle range. This track provides a witty transition from the weighty seriousness of the previous piece to something a bit more lighthearted. The musicality is witty and technically skilled, using quick fingers and humorous chord inversions to show a different aspect of the pianist’s improvisational talents. This track ends with a beautiful smile that lingers in one’s mind after listening to the dying note of the last chord.
This astonishing new piano solo work by the masterful improviser Ashot Danielyan presents itself as a glorious and soul-stirring suite of seven completely improvised piano pieces created during the magic-filled minutes of 2026. Listen up, because let me be honest with you – after hearing this album, I can say with total, unbreakable conviction that it is this album alone which will restore the passion for classical music throughout the entire world. Each piece is absolutely stunning, combining notes that feel simultaneously miraculous and carefully thought out. Each and every minute of this record is something I cherished and enjoyed immensely. This record has me hooked from the very first note to the very last one! Ashot, your genius is a gift to the world, and I simply cannot wait to hear what magic you have planned next!
Stream the “Make Classical Music Great Again” album on Spotify.
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