Hania Rani: Tiny Desk Concert

Lars Gotrich | January 29, 2024
Hania Rani makes beautiful music that’s haunted, yet enchanted. The Polish pianist and composer blurs the lines of ambient, classical and house - submerged beats pulse under ripples of piano, synths and her delicate voice. She regularly performs in concert halls across Europe, but during an American tour she brought the cinematic, yet intimate songs of her album Ghosts to the Tiny Desk.
Rani is conservatory trained, but like so many post-classical artists working right now, brings her own influences to centuries-old tradition. The way her fingers chromatically surge in a cascade of color suggest the later compositions of Mozart - somehow lush and sublime in their tension, on the brink of something different. But there’s also a restlessness in how Rani, accompanied by Ziemowit Klimek on upright bass and synth, bounces between the piano and synths with ease and often within the same song. She is a wonder to watch.
SET LIST
“Thin Line”
“Moans (Instrumental)”
“Don’t Break My Heart”
MUSICIANS
Hania Rani: upright piano, synth, vocals
Ziemowit Klimek: bass, synth
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Lars Gotrich
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Josh Rogosin
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Alanté Serene
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Photographer: Elizabeth Gillis
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Hazel Cills
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #haniarani

[@bobuk48]

Hania Rani on Tiny Desk. I’ve been waiting for this for years. Incredibly talented and charismatic musician. From Esja to Les Invalides and now here. Her art and personality evident in any setting. ❤️

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Yes, and for me it was Piano Day that was my eye openerer. I have not specially waited for this Tiny Desk, but I liked it when it turned up.

[@Rabgiliszta]

​@@staffanolofsson8201Check out Nancy Jazz Pulsations - another one for the list from her

[@bartpickford1836]

​@staffanolofsson8201 was that the ARTE piano day? If so, loved it too 👌 I've been amazed by everything so far - s2 session, ghosts album launch and cercle concert (Paris invalides) are particular standouts. Hania is a true musical gem!!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@bartpickford1836 Yes, it was. And I agree about all your favourites! I love the live version of Ghoust album.

[@bartpickford1836]

@@staffanolofsson8201 the string arrangements in the ghosts album launch were especially good 👍

[@spharr]

Hania Rani is one of those extremely rare composer/performers where the music literally just flows out of them as an unhindered stream of light direct from the soul.

[@Exeljion]

And she hits me right in my soul with her music. ☺

[@thestrangeceleb]

You're absolutely right. I found her Invalides concert right in the middle of a psilocybin experience. It was astoundingly breath taking. The video production was top notch as well.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

How can someone not love Hania Rani and her music? And also her music friends? This written by an very old chap, today 78.👍

[@dao694]

:0) yep.

[@StephenAku]

​@@Exeljion..."hitting" with the most gentle light and softest touch of exuberance and gratitude. Thank you Hania Rania for sharing the precious magic of your gift.

[@kellygrighi]

It's been over a year I'm completely obsessed with her music! That's almost a therapy.

[@KasiaZ]

How awesome is that! And she just won a Fryderyki award in PL for best Polish artist :)

[@starshot5172]

Rightfully so

[@Geekraver]

She is a gift (Ziemowit too). I never get tired of watching their Cercle concert.

[@rache-sqh]

omg her Cercle concert is incredible!

[@o2i3u5klwerh8]

Yes❤

[@s.k.4132]

One of the greatest live performances I´ve seen in a while

[@lukaszsuchodolski7864]

check out the concert with Ghosts Album at Studio 1 in Warsaw. It's out of this planet. Specially Komeda. Regards from Poland

[@shay5025]

Same!

[@erroljoe]

Hania is already a legend here in Europe... Welcome to rest of the world Hania 🖤🎼🎹

[@OlegSidorenko1974]

On a recent concert in Utrecht, Don't Break My Heart was (or felt like?) 20 minutes of complete hypnosis with enveloping sensations and laser visuals. Unforgettable. So happy to see Hania get this recognition - we all know that an invitation to Tiny Desk is the highest form of musical praise:)

[@empewu]

Her concerts are amazing

[@Goshoonkeys]

When she played in Katowice with Dobrawa Czocher, I crosses three countries to attend that one. Worth every millisec, my friend. Absolutely mesmerising. I hope their mutual endeavours did not end yet.

[@branscombeR]

@@Goshoonkeys Dobrawa said in interview that they are soul mates for life, so expect more collabs ... she also credits Hania with giving her the courage to branch out into her own solo compositions ... they are both exceptional composer/musicians in their own rights but together they are spectacular! R (Australia)

[@matthewzytkoskee]

I listen to you play for hours at a time. Memorizing. I'm a writing teacher and have even begun playing your music in the background while students write stories. They love it. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. You've got a lot of it IMO!

[@joshnkoy]

her music has genuinely made my life loads better and i’m so glad to see her get the recognition that has been so overdue😊

[@bartpickford1836]

I agree. I've loved her sessions on kexp, s2, cercle and ghosts album launch. Electronics, piano and vocals - truly beautiful

[@marekkulak4884]

Gratulacje Haniu,udział w tym programie to wielki zaszczyt,zważywszy kto tam wcześniej występował!!!❤💘💘💘💘💘

[@Thecrookedfingaz]

gdzie kizo?

[@andrzejkucharzyk9970]

mam nadzieje, że to tęgi żart@@Thecrookedfingaz

[@Jaktakmoznadasie]

Dobry występ.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Gratulacje Haniu, says I without nowing polish language.

[@marekkulak4884]

@@staffanolofsson8201 ❤❤

[@DarkShogun16]

So smooth on that piano it doesnt even look like shes actually playing it at times. Love that i found another hidden gem on tiny desk!

[@m.a.v.p.8926]

She is a true musical genius of the 21st century... 😍😍😍🌹🌹🌹.. Getting better, getting better... And her voice!!.. She is acquiring soprano levels.. I can't live without hearing and seeing her every day!! 😍😍😍

[@tomaszgola1]

Przecudna,nasz skarb narodowy....duma rozpiera ,mogąc ogładać i słuchać jak się rozwijasz!!!! ❤

[@mikoszektv4734]

W 100% się zgadzam 😊

[@sydneysider9697]

From the chaos of today, I came home to tiny desk and time stood still ✨✨ how soothing it is to be immersed in Hania Rani’s ethereal ripples in spacetime✨✨ ❤

[@sankalpdharge7584]

Super hyped to see Hania on NPR! Her musical prowess is finally getting the limelight it deserves :)

[@mirosawapawlik1079]

ta delikatność.. jakby się wchodziło do lasu wiosną Haniu brawo, kolejny sukces, jesteśmy dumni, że jesteś

[@pdcichosz]

If you haven't already, play her video from Polish Radio Studio S2. There's a lot of good music, there's a handful of great music, but it doesn't coming across something truly, truly special doesn't happen very often. That video recorded one of those moments. Everyone I showed it to just went silent for a moment, awestruck by the raw talent Hania is.

[@Sektion9]

Also her live performance in Paris. It's something else.

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Yes I have. But more from studio 1 with Ghosts Album Launch.

[@Dudewheresmycar1234]

I will have to check that out then come back here.

[@Dudewheresmycar1234]

Thanks for the advice!!!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Poland had Chopin long ago, now they have Hania Rani. Congratulations! ❤

[@semacomer]

Worth waiting a while 🎉

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Let us skip Lutoslawski, Szymanowski, Goreki and Preisner and others. (Poland is evidently a very cultural country). Hania Rani is the latest flower on that blossoming tree.

[@semacomer]

@@staffanolofsson8201 nice point, I’ll think about the reference to the mentioned. it’s always a gym for the mind to position some artful persona in some precise place or level

[@semacomer]

@@bzoom ah Abel! So many amazing moments on car traveling with his music

[@semacomer]

What’s interesting the first polish musicians in NPR were rather unknown (to me at least) Trupa Trupa :)

[@tiffanycovemaker2956]

This is the way. Classical music needs to be kept alive. So beautiful!

[@wurstfinger3289]

thats no classical music

[@traveldreamer21]

…ob „klassisch“ oder nicht - für mich jedenfalls „klasse Musik“😉👍

[@wurstfinger3289]

kann ich so stehen lassen ;) klingt alles ganz gut. unspektakulär aber schön.@@traveldreamer21

[@andrewbell86]

I had the honor to attend her art live two days ago at Paradiso - Amsterdam. What - an - artist! The concert was a secret present for my wife who never heard her before. I wanted to witness the magic of a true first listening in a human being who is prone to beauty. She was already enchanted by Hania’s instrumental intro. But - oh my - when she blossomed into the harmony with her pure voice! What a magical feeling.

[@piotrmichaowski626]

Ile razy słucham i i oglądam Hanię to się wzruszam. Jestem już starszym panem i to uczucie jest dla mnie najdoskonalszym probierzem najwyższej jakości tego Zjawiska jakim jest Hania Rani

[@pablitowe]

Twój wiek nie ma nic do rzeczy, jesteś młody duchem, a to już wszystko!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Jag förstår dig, själv 78. Men musikalitet har inget med ålder att göra!

[@RussGetsIt]

I saw her perform on her recent tour at the DC show and she mentioned a stop at a radio station in the city between songs... no idea how I couldn't put together that it was a tiny desk concert! Stunning as always.

[@dg4846]

Young polish talented musicians. Thank you Hania and Ziemowit. Keep sharing with your great music. Dziękuje.

[@kenny4yourthots]

Spotify just happened to suggest her new album ’Ghosts’ and wow, what a beautiful masterpiece, so fascinating to watch her play these songs like a new age Mozart!

[@thestrangeceleb]

If you haven't seen the Invalides concert yet, watch it ASAP. It's a masterpiece.

[@pierreyvesc1206]

I have been lucky to see Hania live twice in 2023. What a fantastic feeling to see the keyboards fairy at Tiny Desk's !!

[@grafzhl]

Same, discovered her late 2022, immediately got a ticket for March 2023 and then again in October. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will see her live.

[@cristina_azerty]

Me too! Twice in Belgium :)

[@JaySpear]

Yes! Fresh! Inspiration! Deep inhale! Just enjoying the present moment of how new music makes me feel!

[@sambentley2398]

This might be one of the best things on the internet.

[@ronshina4022]

0:01 Thin Line (vocals) 5:54 Moans (vocals) 9:52 Don’t Break My Heart (vocals)

[@infuzoriya_tufelka]

Спасибо

[@howardmcmillian5764]

Thank you so much

[@ShawnHumphrey]

Hania randomly came up on a music-listening platform I was tuned into a couple of years ago - best random pick I've run across, as she's now my favorite pianist, one of my absolute favorite musicians. I could listen to songs like Hawaii Oslo, Glass, or F Major over and over. Wonderful. So glad she's here.

[@maxbonta2639]

Incredible indeed. Check out Nils Frahm if you’re into the piano game, very similar styles at times.

[@Futureleft]

If you love Hania you’ll also love Olafur Arnalds and Eydis Evensen

[@ShawnHumphrey]

I am familiar with Olafur's work, but not Eydis Evensen. Thank you for the suggestion!@@Futureleft

[@ShawnHumphrey]

I will check Nils out. Thank you for the suggestion!@@maxbonta2639

[@MsXfi]

Ohh the feeling of listening to something incredibly original after 50 years on this rock

[@dimadozen5199]

I've been to about 100 incredible concerts, but hers was hands down the best one I've seen. Glad to see her finally gain the recognition she deserves!

[@Rabgiliszta]

Hania's voice into different mics, the piano, the double bass, the synths - all perfectly balanced. NPR's sound engineer does it again. Kudos!

[@IHearEverythingDude]

yes, I'm always impressed by the quality of the recording

[@gazcarts]

I saw Hania Rani and Ziemowit Klimek perform in Manchester last year. Both are incredible musicians and it's always a delight to watch them. Thank you ❤

[@MariaArroyo-Segovia]

What a talented musician. Her voice is so angelical… her piano interpretation is so moving and touching. Thank you for having Hania.

[@jam2045]

Absolutely one of the best I’ve ever heard!!! I love her compositional style!! Favorite!!!

[@chineseghoststories2724]

Her music always gives me a kind of naturistic relaxation. Love it. Bravo

[@stephengiese7549]

I was not calm before i heard from this. Almost cried. What talent and gratitude. Tiny desk has done it again😊

[@Leanne-cf1xb]

Thank you for this! So happy to start my Monday with the amazing Hania Rani. I have been playing her on my little radio show in Nashville since discovering her incredible album ‘Home’ back in 2020. She is such a force. Wish I’d made it to see her on that US tour!

[@gustaf0902]

This is pure gold. Stumbled upon Hania maybe a year ago and was blown away! Great to see you at NPR

[@jossthemorfitt]

Its so Nils Frahm, but so idiosyncratic too. Her hands glide over the keys. Magical, ethereal performance. ❤

[@staffanolofsson8201]

I agree, but Nils Frahm never sing.

[@PiotrBuczek]

Her previous work is even more clearly inspired by Nils. A bit too much of a copy-cat there to my liking - especially if you see her expressions and realize much of the audience thinks she came up with the style and is a genius it breaks the charm.

[@spacetoastsghost]

First time hearing her! Love, love, love. Thank you NPR.

[@thomasd9635]

The same time I jumped into the rabbit hole of Tiny Desk, during the pandemic, I stumbled across Hania. So great to see these two coming together. Just awesome ❤

[@oleksandrab6716]

I was looking for her to be part of this project for so long! and it's as wonderful as I expected!! Thank you :*

[@allocativeefficiency]

This makes me so so happy to see! Her latest work is incredible.

[@j__r0d]

I can't describe how much I love this music. So happy to see her get to play the tiny desk!

[@ellieakis]

She's brilliant! I'm seeing her live in three months. Can't wait!

[@semacomer]

Where?

[@VOByRobbins]

She's incredible, what a multi-tasker too, she's amazing to watch how she effortlessly goes between her instruments!!!

[@user-nv8bh2fq7t]

What an amazing gift to wake up to! Absolutely LOVE her and her music. THANK YOU Tiny Desk!!!

[@neon.pajamas]

A beautiful performance! Much love from a Polish American in Chicago

[@princetonnj1628]

I'm mesmerized by this musician. Thank you NPR.

[@dcpeaches]

Ditto.

[@NowBeFree]

Me too. ❤🎉

[@bluesky5384]

This is what a musical prodigy looks like.

[@xswooshx]

Ms. Rani is phenomenal and plays like a wizard at the cauldron. I'm loving the Philip Glass vibe and may have to pick up an album. The cellist is living in 3024 with that drip. Thanks for another great show, NPR!

[@MeGoo1990]

he's a bassist, cello's two times smaller)

[@semacomer]

Check his drip in Immortal Onion band

[@osidenko]

Love her music. Brilliant live✨

[@conjurdubs]

what an absolute treat. Hania's music touches me in such a deep place. always a joy to see her perform. hope one day I can see her live. just stunning

[@joaquinr3114]

They sound so beautiful, and I love her voice 😍

[@asalvattx]

Amazing! I've been waiting for this for a long time.

[@oliwia_to_ja_nik]

so happy to see a polish woman on tiny desk

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Mesmerizing magic going on here! A loopers paradise amplified by an abundance of musical talent! 👏👏👏

[@Cabble91]

I absolutely enjoyed it! I'm not sure how to properly describe it.. your music sounds so real and complete. Watching you performing conveys very well your dedication and love for creating music. You achieve such an immersion, main stream music is not capable of. Ziemowit did perform great aswell! The Ghosts vinyl is currently one of my most played ones and I hope future releases will contain more music with your pleasant voice. Thanks for your great art.

[@Robert.Marshall]

Great sound and artist. I remember hearing a few of her songs a year or so ago, and I loved how she falls into the music she creates as she's performing. It's a great sound, with the warmth and depth of the various keyboards and slight effects, along with the warmth and introspection of her voice and lyrics. I'll definitely be adding her new album to my favorites. 🤗

[@Gamerooster51]

Nice! Enjoy her music. Beautiful melody.

[@baturoztunc]

She is so good!

[@markmoshekaye202]

Beautiful! Thank you!

[@kajetanczechowski1263]

It's always very nice to see talented compatriots do incredible things.

[@1amybean]

She is remarkable! Captivating! Loving this Tiny Desk and have watched the Cercle performance over and over…

[@elizabethg1634]

Amazing to see one of my favorite KZbin artists on my favorite go-to music site here. Wonderful concert! Thank you NPR!

[@agusp2737]

Thank you for bringing Hania, one of the few artists who continues to surprise me and make me travel through a magical world, I didn't want it to end 🤍🤍🤍🙌🙌🙌🌠

[@pageturner242]

OMG YESSSSSSSSSSS. I wish this was longer!!

[@goodphotoideas]

Now this is my kind of music! Smooth and simply brilliant! I will look for Hania Rani everywhere!

[@henrikvn1]

woow just wow. first time hearing Hania Rani. I love the first number thin line. what an piece of art. much love from denmark

[@birgitlucci9419]

The algo led me to her 2 years ago and my absolute favorite is Live from Studio S2 Breathtaking ❤

[@mikeymad]

Yay! -- This is going to be on repeat for the day --- thanks

[@beaudjangles]

What beautiful chemistry between them. Fantastic. Massive Attack, Philip Glass, Radiohead vibes in the best way.

[@rohanatrawalkar4858]

Keep coming back to this. So sublime.

[@davidstirling7089]

This is fantastic guys thanks you

[@martyfrancis1011]

Saw Hania in Washington DC. That show is in my top 5 of all time favs and go to a lot of show. She is incredible.

[@klunytunes]

Thanks for visiting the US, Hania. Come back soon!

[@nprmusic]

WIN A TRIP TO SEE A TINY DESK CONCERT! Enter here for your chance to win by supporting the content you love: bit.ly/tiny-desk-giveaway (enter before 3/28/24 at 11:59pm PT!) No purchase or donation required for entry. Void where otherwise restricted or prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older and a resident of the 50 us states, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec) to enter. Entry deadline is March 28, 2024 at 11:59:59pm pt. Odds depend on the number of entries received. ARV of total prize: $2,300. Max. 10,000 entries per person. Official rules, including an alternative free method of entry, can be found at propeller.La/support/1936/official-rules.

[@MjakM1]

Wspaniała Hania !! it's wonderful to hear you on Tiny

[@oersling]

Just last week I thought: It would be so cool, if Hania got her tiny desk concert. And now I get this. Many Thanks :)

[@frazerg8303]

A master of her craft. Wonderous!

[@LianneHutcheson]

If Tori Amos and Tom Yorke had a child…. I love Hania Rani! One of my favorite artists ever❤

[@AliceJones-yc1kh]

I never heard d of this young lady. I wanted to learn and grow as a musician. Her mixture of patterns of strings and chords and her expert use of them, wonderful 👍.

[@HiMy_Name_Is]

Hania is amazing, pure talent followed by fantastic mind and hard work

[@murecerocuatro]

Great performance as always! Thanks Hania for taking your music beyond borders and hearts.

[@maxo1124]

Great as always Hania and Ziemowit .Thanks!

[@iankelmer]

I saw Hania on Vicar St., Dublin, last year. It was a blast.

[@vladimirbosinceanu5778]

This blew me away. Amazing

[@Tragz]

She's a master.

[@adrianaramirez7383]

Yes!!! Finally, I've waited forever for this. Thanks NPR! And of course, Thank you Hania.

[@maxbonta2639]

Been a fan, and will always be one. Incredible, Hania.

[@kimberlybohle2467]

I'm mesmerized by her hands flying over the piano. what a beautiful combo of piano and key board!

[@SteveReadswithSeamus]

Absolutely beautiful music. Wow. Thank you.

[@adbrainfilm]

Guys, you're both so talented! Can't wait to hear your compositions in films!

[@osha2203]

Amazing!!

[@fafafooey8776]

That was incredible

[@bemlar]

Absolutna doskonałość. Dziękuję 🙏☮🫶🔥

[@dj_Dr3amer]

Love it!🔥🔥🔥

[@user-hb4ir1ov6w]

Your appearance on this wonderful channel was truly meaningful. Thank you😊

[@stephanknull3579]

Wow out of this world performance again! Thank you.

[@proposalsofdoc5781]

What a talented performer 😱 amazing!!