Early years and the rise of Yann Tiersen
French composer Yann Tiersen became globally recognised through his music for Amélie and Good Bye Lenin. His style blends classical music, French chanson, minimalism and experimental electronic elements. Tiersen composes on piano, violin, accordion and specially prepared guitar, creating intimate and emotional soundscapes.
Although widely known for film music, Tiersen emphasizes that his artistic identity is much broader. His body of work includes solo albums, experimental collaborations, improvisational projects and sound explorations that push beyond the expectations of mainstream composition.
Yann Tiersen and his climate-focused artistic journey
In response to the climate crisis, Yann Tiersen has radically reshaped the way a modern musician can tour. He travelled across Europe on a slow, solitary winter tour — from Brest to Tallinn — driving under 100 km/h, without a touring crew, accompanied only by his dog. He rejected hotel stays, riders and excessive consumption, often sleeping in gardens, small ports or makeshift shelters.
He also travelled by sailboat Ninnog, navigating around Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, Shetland, Wales and Cornwall. In summer 2025, he adds the Arctic to his route. Through these journeys he brings his music into remote, intimate spaces, building genuine connections with local communities and breaking away from traditional touring models.
Rathlin from a Distance – introspective piano landscapes
The album Rathlin from a Distance features eight piano pieces inspired by places visited during his voyages. Tiersen describes the sea as a space that “strips away layers of identity”, revealing a person’s raw core.
Each composition acts as a meditative map — a return to one’s inner self, free from external expectations. The music is quiet, vulnerable and deeply reflective.
The Liquid Hour – electronic urgency and emotional resistance
The second part of the project, The Liquid Hour, brings a powerful mix of electronic textures and psychedelic rhythms. The inspiration came while steering his sailboat, watching the lights of Belfast shimmer in the distance. The result is a set of tracks driven by anger, energy and hope.
These five compositions serve as a “soundtrack of uprising” — a reaction against systems that restrict creativity, solidarity and personal freedom. The music invites listeners to unite, act and rebuild.
Conclusion
Yann Tiersen today stands not only as a celebrated composer, but as a sailor, environmentalist and artistic innovator. His work bridges nature, sound and social responsibility while preserving the emotional depth that made his most famous compositions so beloved.
Upcoming events
YANN TIERSEN in Zagreb – Return of a Musical Visionary – Special Guest: ALICE BOYD
Tvornica Kulture | Zagreb | 04.03.2026. 20:00
French composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Yann Tiersen in Zagreb will perform on 4 March 2026 at Tvornica Kulture as part of his European tour. The tour showcases his latest double release “Rathlin From a Distance / The Liquid Hour”. His well-known “solo piano + electronics” format brings an intimate yet expansive experience that blends classical motifs, minimalism, experimental textures and carefully layered electronic sound.