Ciani’s ninth studio recording, like its 1990 prequel Pianissimo, strips bare her classically-inspired pieces for solo piano form. Recorded on a one-of-a-kind Yamaha CFIIIS, a nine-foot, hand-built concert grand, Pianissimo II features piano versions of some of Ciani’s most popular songs, including “The Velocity of Love,” “Hotel Luna” and “Terra Mesa.” Three new songs, including “Princess” and “Longing,” accompany the re-worked older material. – Jason Ankeny