Erik Satie: The Essential Collection
The tracklist for the album includes the following:
1. **Jazzopédie** (0:00) – An original piece by Tom Connell, blending classical and jazz elements to create a modern, playful homage to Satie's experimental spirit.
2. **Sarabande No. 1** (3:10) – A contemplative and regal piece, showcasing Satie’s ability to evoke a sense of grandeur with minimalist techniques.
3. **Je te veux** (9:45) – A tender and charming waltz, capturing Satie’s gift for melody and his ability to infuse even the most straightforward works with emotional depth.
4. **Gnossienne No. 1** (16:28) – Perhaps one of Satie’s most iconic pieces, this work features mysterious, almost hypnotic harmonies and a sense of serene melancholy.
5. **Gnossienne No. 2** (21:09) – Continuing the enigmatic nature of the first Gnossienne, this piece offers a deeper sense of reflection and intimacy.
6. **Gnossienne No. 3** (24:16) – The final Gnossienne, this work retains the mysterious quality of its predecessors while introducing more expansive harmonic movement.
7. **Du fils des étoiles** (28:03) – A work that combines delicate piano textures with a sense of cosmic wonder, reflecting Satie’s ability to evoke both the intimate and the infinite.
8. **Gymnopédie No. 1** (32:05) – Possibly Satie’s most famous piece, this work is haunting in its simplicity, with a calm, meditative atmosphere that has made it beloved by listeners worldwide.
9. **Gymnopédie No. 2** (35:48) – Building upon the tranquil mood of the first Gymnopédie, this piece introduces subtle variations in harmony, making it a stunning example of Satie’s minimalist style.
10. **Gymnopédie No. 3** (39:34) – The final Gymnopédie is slightly more melancholic than the others, with a dream-like quality that lingers long after the piece has ended.
11. **Embryons Desséchés** (42:11) – A quirky, offbeat composition that reflects Satie’s playful side and his interest in parody and satire.
12. **Morceau en Forme de Poire** (43:36) – This “piece in the shape of a pear” is another example of Satie’s sense of humor and his tendency to break from tradition in favor of whimsy.
13. **Valse Ballet** (47:21) – A lively and graceful piece, showcasing Satie’s skill in composing dance music with a distinctive touch.
14. **Aperçus Désagréables** (49:09) – A series of musical snapshots that showcase Satie’s exploration of unusual harmonies and abrupt shifts in mood.
15. **Ogives** (50:22) – A beautiful, minimalist work, drawing on medieval modes and textures to create a solemn, contemplative atmosphere.
16. **Sonatine Bureaucratique** (52:19) – A playful satire of the bureaucratic world, this piece is both humorous and subtly critical, embodying Satie’s trademark wit.
17. **En Habit de Cheval** (56:23) – A humorous and quirky composition, featuring whimsical melodies that reflect Satie’s whimsical side and his joy in musical experimentation.
Erik Satie: Life & Works
Erik Satie (1866–1925) was a pioneering French composer and pianist, best known for his unconventional approach to composition and his influence on the development of modern music. His works often challenge traditional classical music structures and reflect his avant-garde, eccentric personality. A leading figure in the French musical avant-garde, Satie’s music bridged the gap between the late Romanticism of the 19th century and the emerging modernism of the early 20th century.
Born in Honfleur, France, Satie’s early life was marked by personal struggles and a sense of rebellion. He entered the Paris Conservatory at the age of 17, but his time there was short-lived due to his nonconformist attitude. His early compositions were largely ignored, but as his style developed, he began to attract attention for his originality and wit.
Satie’s music is characterized by simplicity and minimalism, often repeating motifs with subtle variations. Some of his most famous works include *Gymnopédies* (1888) and *Gnossiennes* (1890s), pieces that became revolutionary for their calm, meditative atmosphere and innovative use of harmony. Satie was also known for his sense of humor and eccentricity, often giving his works bizarre titles or writing absurd instructions for performers, such as “play with the utmost simplicity” or “as slowly as possible.”
Although not widely recognized during his lifetime, Satie’s works have since had a profound influence on many later composers, including John Cage, Philip Glass, and the minimalists. His music continues to be celebrated for its avant-garde nature, emotional depth, and quiet beauty.
Artwork Attribution:
Emre Ayaroglu
https://www.flickr.com/photos/emraya/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/
Text Added to Image - 14:06pm Sunday March 2nd 2014