The sheet music for "The Hourglass" relies heavily on the sustain pedal to create its rich, cinematic wash of sound.
is a popular minimalistic solo piano composition by British composer Ben Crosland . It gained significant mainstream attention after being featured in a worldwide Revolut advertising campaign in 2025. Sheet Music Availability
In the modern era of solo piano music, few contemporary works have captured the imagination of contemplative musicians quite like Ben Crosland’s "The Hourglass." Known for his evocative, neo-classical, and minimalist sensibilities, Crosland has crafted a piece that transcends mere notes on a page, inviting the pianist into a deeply introspective sonic landscape. Whether you are an intermediate pianist looking to expand your expressive repertoire or an advanced player seeking a masterclass in tone, mastering "The Hourglass" requires an intimate understanding of the sheet music and the story it tells.
Ben Crosland is a British composer and pianist widely recognized for his ability to blend classical foundations with modern minimalist and cinematic elements. His style is often compared to contemporary giants like Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma, and Yann Tiersen. The Hourglass Ben Crosland Sheet Music
Ben Crosland, a contemporary British composer and educator, has gained recognition for his stylistically eclectic pedagogical works. The Hourglass (from his collection Daydreams & Fantasies ) is a late-intermediate piano piece that uses rhythmic and textural devices to evoke the steady, irreversible flow of sand through an hourglass. This paper examines how Crosland translates a visual-temporal metaphor into pianistic gestures, and considers the piece’s value for developing expressive control and metric awareness.
He has gained international recognition through series such as A Day in the Life of a Pianist , Jazzin’ About , and his solo piano collections published by leading houses like Faber Music and Hal Leonard. Crosland’s works frequently appear on exam syllabi (ABRSM, Trinity) and are beloved by adult learners who crave music that sounds complex but fits comfortably under the hands.
by Ben Crosland
"The Hourglass" by Ben Crosland is more than just a piece of sheet music—it’s a doorway into a rich, rewarding musical world. The piece captures the spirit of modern neoclassical music: minimalist in texture but maximalist in emotional impact. Its evocative melodies and unique atmosphere make it a wonderful performance piece or a source of personal enjoyment at the piano.
Ben Crosland’s sheet music is widely available through major digital and physical print music retailers.
Ben Crosland’s is firmly the latter.
: Crosland weaves gentle rhythmic displacements into the melody, keeping the minimalist structure from sounding monotonous. Technical Challenges and How to Overcome Them
"The Hourglass" by Ben Crosland is a stunning addition to the repertoire of any pianist who appreciates emotional, atmospheric, and modern classical music. By studying the sheet music, pianists can unlock a deeply rewarding piece that resonates with audiences and performers alike. Ben Crosland Genre: Modern Classical/Solo Piano Difficulty: Early-Intermediate/Intermediate Tone: Tender, Mysterious, Melancholic
Finding sheet music for "The Hourglass" by British composer Ben Crosland The sheet music for "The Hourglass" relies heavily