After studying with the cream of Italy's postwar crop, this composer-pianist discovered a more populist form that was premised on minimalist melody and moderate tempos. Even when surging percussion (or orchestration) makes an appearance, the overall sound remains graceful and contemplative. Skilled with writing for film and television, Einaudi has also composed music for dance. And while he is in demand as a performer of his own works, other contemporary instrumentalists, like violinist Daniel Hope, have also taken to interpreting his catalog.