Armin van Buuren Explores Classical Sounds on First Acoustic Album, ‘Piano’

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**Armin van Buuren steps into classical territory with his debut acoustic album, Piano, featuring 15 soothing, self-composed pieces performed entirely on a piano.**

It’s always refreshing to see electronic artists explore new directions and experiment with different styles to express themselves wholeheartedly. Over the past few years, electronic music has also witnessed an increasing number of artists embracing orchestral textures and classical influences. Earlier this year, Zedd performed with the LA Phil at Coachella, delivering an orchestral version of his hit song “Clarity” to a roaring crowd. Now, renowned electronic music artist Armin van Buuren is stepping entirely into the classical realm with his latest and most personal album to date, Piano, out on Armada Music.

Offering 15 meticulously composed piano pieces recorded and filmed at ConcertLab in Utrecht, Piano presents Armin in his purest form. Each track offers a rare glimpse into the musical genius of the Dutch artist as he composes every note himself under the mentorship of classical composer Geronimo Snijtsheuvel.

Stripped of any electronic production, the album reveals Armin at his most authentic core, with the songs inspired by memories of his father’s piano playing. While fans may see this as a bold shift from his genre, Piano is less a departure and more a natural extension of his creative artistry. It draws a compelling parallel between his contemporary production style and his deep respect for classical tradition.

Creating melodies behind the piano has always been the foundation of my music. Together with my teacher Geronimo, sketches grew into fifteen pure pieces, free from beats. This project shows another side of me: intimate, honest, direct. My roots lie in a home filled with classical, rock, and electronic music, shaped by my father, brother, and artists like Vangelis and The Orb. After decades of trance and festivals, I longed for music without pressure — just fingers on keys. In 2025, I recorded everything in one take at ConcertLab. This album is my most personal work: from heart, to keys, to ears.

Armin van Buuren

There’s an incredible depth to Piano that feels like a quiet revelation. While Armin van Buuren is known for his festival anthems and high-octane productions, this album highlights his compositional versatility. The album serves as a tender tribute to his family—his wife Erika, his father, and his brother—as well as to the natural world. It’s grounded in personal storytelling that unfolds like a diary set to music.

Some of the standout pieces on Piano include “Fathers & Sons,” “Longing,” and “Sonic Samba,” in which tender melodies capture the depth of relationships and human connection. The warm harmonies move thoughtfully throughout each composition, evoking a sense of warmth and intimacy. Tracks like “Be My Lighthouse” and “Setting Sail” explore the gentle interplay of nostalgia and grace, reflecting Armin’s classical roots. In addition, the final track, “Children,” is a heartfelt offering to the listeners as Armin transformed Robert Miles’ classic hit into a fresh piano arrangement that is profoundly moving.

Listen to Piano on your preferred streaming platform, and follow Armin van Buuren for more of what’s to come!