Penguin Guide 3 stars.
This album explores the diverse and innovative piano compositions of Erik Satie, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century French music. Satie was renowned for his inventiveness, continually evolving his style and leading the way for others while exploring new experimental fields.
Key Points:
1. Satie was celebrated for his inventive approach. He constantly shifted directions to explore new musical avenues as soon as his peers began to follow his lead.
2. Maurice Ravel, a contemporary and admirer, played Satie’s works publicly and recognized his early contributions to music, such as the famous "Gymnopédies" and "Gnossiennes".
3. Satie's compositions often featured enigmatic titles and were typically composed in sets of three. Notable examples include the “Embryons desséchés”, which whimsically references types of sea creatures, and the “Véritables préludes flasques”.
4. Satie’s works were known for their humor and commentary, often incorporating playful and ironic notes meant for the performer’s amusement rather than the audience.
5. Despite his unconventional approach, Satie influenced many aspects of modern music, leaving a lasting legacy through his exploration of minimalism and avant-garde.
This album represents a broad selection of Satie's piano works, spanning three decades of his creative life, and offers listeners a glimpse into the quirky and profound world of one of music’s most unique innovators.
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