The Benoni | Joshua Kyan Aalampour

"The Benoni" is a piano piece I composed inspired by both the Book of Genesis and chess.

I chose the title “The Benoni” because I wanted the music to reflect the bittersweet nature between loss and hope. “Benoni” is Hebrew for “son of my sorrow” and comes from the biblical story of Rachel. As she gives birth to her second son, she suffers and knows she’s going to pass away, so she names her son “Benoni”.

“Benoni” is also in reference to the Benoni chess opening, which is one of my favorites. It’s an unconventional opening that, in my opinion, bears a certain beauty to it. My favorite games are:

(Tal vs. Gurgenidze - 1957)
(Fischer vs. Spassky Game 3 - 1972)
(Kasparov vs. Korchnoi - 1982)

Below are some easter eggs I included in the piece:

-There’s a direct modulation down a minor 3rd at 0:23, from Dm to Bm, which has a bittersweet quality to my ears.

-The piece then modulates from B minor to F minor — a tritone modulation. This is the most distant modulation possible. I've always associated this key change with a sense of heartbreak or emotional pain since some romantic composers use similar tritone shifts in their music to mirror themes of longing and sorrow.

-My leitmotif is quoted at 1:10 and 1:34.

-The main theme is blended into my “Raindrop Waltz No. 1 in B Minor” (2020) at 1:12.

-My piece “Reverie” (2020) is referenced at 1:28.

Sheet music coming soon.

[levidashawty]

I saw part of it on insta when you posted it on your story and I was waiting for it, I swear you're the best composer alive at the moment, it's just mind-blowing

[flumfred]

I can't hardly believe you created this masterpiece. Astounded

[Elizabeth-]

This needs to be more popular, I cannot even describe the feelings it gives me when listening to it.

[alkia]

I came here looking for a video of the Benoni defense of chess and coincidentally, I'm also learning to play piano

[QuinndalineHoney]

The roar of the low octaves here is absolutely beautiful 0:54

[nishaatdaggie]

The struggle of having to get back up when you fall, this feeling couldn't be described better👏

[Elliequent]

Recently discovered your music and became instantly obsessed. Utterly beautiful. So grateful you found your way to your talent, and have shared it with the world. New bucket-list item: see you perform live.

[そのHikari]

Thank you Joshua. This is my recite piece and song for level 11 of piano

[quinn]

Please! I want to listen to more and all of your work! I don’t want to be pessimistic but I hope you live longer than me.

[ProjectSuperiorMan]

This is like the best peice of piano I've ever heard and will ever hear

[kaam]

This song makes me shiver all over. I am so excited

[wwrp]

This needs to go into a fantasy anime. I would watch it for the soundtrack alone.

[Smosh_Ace]

Can you make a version where we can see you playing this piece please?

[rosaliepool]

This makes me feel like its an magical dance between 2 enemies, and i dont know why, but i love it

[jackwilson]

Although you’ve never been to Iran, I can sense an Iranian influence in your music, and it’s amazing. The fusion of Persian and Chinese styles is perfect. Keep it up—we’re loving it!

[fizzz]

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL!! YOUR MUSIC FEELS SO ALIVE, NEVER STOP COMPOSING JOSHUA!!!

[drew]

I was waiting for a longer version. Thank you!

[tunupamanta]

I just discovered you today and let me say you're so great. I was missing a composer as you in this era. I found you! 😊

[maumau]

This is a amazing piece of composing, truly gives me chill !

[sirvipernoodle]

This song itself was beautiful on it's own, but the fact that it's tied to Benjamin, the last son of Jacob. I didn't even knew about that until I looked it up, so thank you for giving me an extra spiritual gem from the Bible. Keep up the good work sir 🫡