Ludovico Einaudi is one of the world’s most popular composers; the source of hundreds of instantly familiar themes used in films, TV and advertising (including American Airlines, This Is England ’86 and Black Swan). Einaudi sells out massive tours across Europe every year, and “Islands” is the first time that all of his best known work will appear on one collection including two new pieces and two new remixes.

Born in Turin in 1955, he studied piano and composition first at the Conservatory in Milan, and subsequently with the celebrated composer Luciano Berio. His composing career began with several chamber and orchestral compositions, which were performed at important international venues. In the mid-eighties, he began to search for a freer and more personal musical language, exploring this in a successful series of dance and multimedia works, and later on the piano with his own ensemble.

The ambient and contemplative music he writes today is a fusion of eclectic styles, drawn from his studies in the minimalist avant-garde and collaborations with world musicians to rock groups such as Coldplay and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. His music speaks directly to a wide audience: his best-selling CDs remain high in the classical charts, and his piano recitals sell out the major concert halls in the UK, Italy and beyond.