In a Time Lapse cover

In a Time Lapse

Ludovico Einaudi · 2013

66 min · 14 tracks · minimalist music

Ethereal piano melodies intertwine with rich orchestral textures, creating an atmospheric journey through time and emotion.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Corale Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Time Lapse — This track embodies the album's theme of temporal reflection through cascading piano arpeggios that evoke both nostalgia and hope. Its gradual build-up showcases Einaudi's skill in creating tension and release.
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    Run — With its driving rhythm and urgent melody, this track captures a sense of movement and urgency, perfectly illustrating the emotional landscape of the album. The interplay between piano and strings creates an immersive soundscape that resonates deeply.
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    Experience — This piece features a poignant blend of minimalism and orchestral elements, encapsulating Einaudi's ability to convey profound emotions with simplicity. Its climactic progression leaves a lasting impact on listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's minimalist approach and emotional depth create a rewarding listening experience over time.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of piano as the primary instrument, with orchestral elements gradually layered throughout.
  • Each track typically builds from a simple melodic idea, expanding into more complex textures over time.
  • Several tracks, such as 'Time Lapse' and 'Experience', employ a repetitive structure that creates a meditative quality.
  • The final track, 'Burning', serves as a culmination of themes introduced earlier, bringing the album to a reflective close.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • atmospheric background focus
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative evening reflections

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its emotional depth and orchestral textures, though not the most accessible entry.
Themes
natural landscapes· emotional exploration· time's passage
Career context
Released in 2013, In a Time Lapse is Ludovico Einaudi's sixth studio album, following his critically acclaimed work, Isola. By this point, Einaudi had established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary classical music, blending minimalist influences with emotive storytelling. This album further solidified his status as a crossover artist capable of reaching both classical and popular audiences.
Stylistic neighbors
Max Richter· Ólafur Arnalds· Nils Frahm

Tracklist

  • 1 Corale Start here 2:05
  • 2 Time Lapse 5:31
  • 3 Life 4:22
  • 4 Walk 3:27
  • 5 Discovery at Night 4:25
  • 6 Run 5:32
  • 7 Brothers 4:51
  • 8 Orbits 2:57
  • 9 Two Trees 6:25
  • 10 Newton's Cradle 7:52
  • 11 Waterways 4:17
  • 12 Experience 5:15
  • 13 Underwood 4:13
  • 14 Burning 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata