Bridging the Cosmic and the Personal, Hayato Sumino - Human Universe

Few artists move as fluidly between the worlds of art and science as Hayato Sumino. With an engineering background seamlessly entwined with virtuosic piano skills, Sumino’s debut album is nothing short of extraordinary. Reimagined classics from Debussy, Fauré, Purcell, and Bach sit alongside his original compositions, which transcend technical mastery to reach something far more profound. There’s a tender reverence in his playing—a way of shaping sound that feels like an intimate conversation, revealing truths that resonate deeply.



Sumino’s journey to this moment is as fascinating as the music itself. His early years were steeped in classical rigor, but it wasn’t until he adopted his YouTube persona Cateen that his artistry truly began to expand. As Cateen, he built an online presence that blended classical traditions with improvisation and pop-culture nods, from Studio Ghibli themes to Super Mario soundtracks. Yet, his breakout moment in the classical world came with a dazzling performance at the 2021 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw—a performance watched by over six million people online, cementing his place as a formidable talent.

Though his natural disposition is reserved, Sumino speaks most vividly through the piano. For him, the instrument isn’t just a medium; it’s a way to communicate universally. His inspiration comes from legends like Rachmaninoff, whose recordings he admires as pure dialogues between performer and listener. Sumino’s own performances carry that same conversational quality, where his technique becomes an effortless extension of his body, honed over a lifetime of devotion.

Sumino’s compositions are born from this intuitive connection with sound. His process begins with improvisation, allowing raw ideas to take shape organically. Tracks like "Human Universe" stem from his fascination with complex rhythms, while his three Nocturnes capture fleeting moments—a snowy scene in South Korea, a jet-lagged sunrise in Japan, and a moonlit night in rural France. Each piece feels like stepping into a vivid memory, carried by melodies that linger long after the final note.

Sumino’s scientific background finds its way into the album’s textures. By combining grand and upright pianos and experimenting with felt dampers—as in Fauré’s In Paradisum or his haunting take on Ravel’s Boléro—he crafts sounds that feel both grounded and otherworldly. His approach balances precision with curiosity, building on solid foundations while constantly seeking new modes of expression. This blend of structure and exploration gives his music a rare emotional depth.

At the heart of the album lies "Human Universe", a piece that reflects both our cosmic insignificance and the vast emotional landscapes within us. It’s a deeply personal work, yet it invites listeners to find their own meaning, resonating with universal themes of connection and introspection. Listening to it feels like a reminder of our shared humanity, wrapped in the delicate balance between logic and feeling.

Hayato Sumino isn’t just a pianist—he’s a storyteller, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, science and art. With every note, he invites us into a world where technical brilliance meets emotional vulnerability, leaving us eager to hear what he’ll create next.