Description
Erik Satie (1866–1925) was a clever musical satirist, particularly evident in his piano compositions. The unconventional French composer had a penchant for mocking academic conventions and specifically the impressionistic titles of Debussy's works. He assigned his own pieces whimsical titles such as Pieces in Pear Form and Dried Embryos, often accompanied by equally eccentric musical instructions like "Tres 'neuf heures du matin" (Very "nine in the morning") and "Corpulentus" (Corpulent). His playful spirit is vividly reflected in the music itself, as demonstrated by this charming collection of seventeen piano pieces. These works are characterized by their simplicity, vivacity, and whimsical nature, while also being hauntingly melodic. Alongside the renowned Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes, this compilation features Sarabandes, Pièces froides, Poudre d'or, En habit de cheval, Morceaux en forme de poire, Embryons desséchés, Aperçus désagreables, Descriptions automatiques, among others.
This volume represents the most extensive collection of Satie's piano works ever published, reprinted on high-quality paper from authoritative original editions and robustly bound to ensure a lifetime of study and enjoyment. Within its pages lie some of the most innovative and captivating creations from a tumultuous period in music, compositions that left a lasting impact on modern composers such as Ravel, Milhaud, and Poulenc.
