Belle Excentrique [Import] [Original recording remastered]

belle excentrique [import] [original recording remastered]

Track Listings

1. Scandale De Mme Rotchild
2. Gigi, La Danseuse
3. Bar Americain
4. Diaghilev, L'homme-Orchestre
5. Les Nuits Folles De L' Hotel Negresco
6. Masque Rose De Mme Me
7. Torocadero
8. Je Connaissais Jean Cocteau
9. Adieu, Mon Amour
10. Je Te Veux

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Belle Excentrique,Kazuhiko Kato,Sony/Columbia,Rock
Satie: Piano Works
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Picasso in sound
  • Great but NOT complete
  • There's only one.
  • Don't forget Satie was an Anti-Romantic
  • "Electric Spirit of Eric Satie" fans this is the one !
Satie: Piano Works

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
SarabandeSarabande | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Debussy: Piano Works
  2. The Best of Erik Satie
  3. After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie
  4. Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Gnossiennes No1-6
  5. The Magic of Satie

ASIN: B000002SBP
Release Date: 1992-01-23

Tracks:

  1. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Gymnopedie I
  2. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Gymnopedie II
  3. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Gymnopedie III
  4. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Les Trois Valses distingu du preux dI: Sa taille
  5. Oeuvres Pour Piano: II: Son binocle
  6. Oeuvres Pour Piano: III: Ses jambes
  7. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Trois Gnossiennes: I Lent
  8. Oeuvres Pour Piano: II Avec nnement
  9. Oeuvres Pour Piano: III Lent
  10. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Trois Gnossiennes: IV Lent
  11. Oeuvres Pour Piano: V Mod
  12. Oeuvres Pour Piano: VI Avec conviction et avec une tristesse rigoureuse
  13. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Trois Mouvements en forme de poire, uatre mains: Mani de commencement
  14. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Prolongation du m
  15. Oeuvres Pour Piano: I
  16. Oeuvres Pour Piano: II
  17. Oeuvres Pour Piano: III
  18. Oeuvres Pour Piano: En plus
  19. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Redite
  20. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Croquis et agaceries d'un gros bonhomme en bois: I Tyrolienne turque
  21. Oeuvres Pour Piano: II Danse maigre (a mani de ces messieurs)
  22. Oeuvres Pour Piano: III Espa (Sorte de valse)
  23. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Sonatine bureaucratique
  24. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Trois Nocturnes: I Doux et calme
  25. Oeuvres Pour Piano: II Simplement
  26. Oeuvres Pour Piano: III Un peu mouvement
  27. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Premi penset sonneries de la Rose Croix: Air de ldre
  28. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Air du Grand Maitre
  29. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Air du Grand Prieur
  30. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Le Fils des oiles: Prde du 1er acte: la Vocation
  31. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Prde du IIe acte: l'Initiation
  32. Oeuvres Pour Piano: Prde du IIIe acte: l'Incantation

Tracks:

  1. Jack In The Box: Prelude
  2. Jack In The Box: Entracte
  3. Jack In The Box: Final
  4. Sports et Divertissements: Choral inappetissant
  5. Sports et Divertissements: La Balanre
  6. Sports et Divertissements: La Chasse
  7. Sports et Divertissements: La Come italienne
  8. Sports et Divertissements: Le Ril de la Mari
  9. Sports et Divertissements: Colin-Maillard
  10. Sports et Divertissements: La Pe
  11. Sports et Divertissements: Le Yachting
  12. Sports et Divertissements: Le Bain de mer
  13. Sports et Divertissements: Le Carnaval
  14. Sports et Divertissements: Le Golf
  15. Sports et Divertissements: La Pieuvre
  16. Sports et Divertissements: Les Courses
  17. Sports et Divertissements: Les Quatre-Coins
  18. Sports et Divertissements: Le pique-nique
  19. Sports et Divertissements: Le Water-chute
  20. Sports et Divertissements: Le Tango
  21. Sports et Divertissements: Le Traau
  22. Sports et Divertissements: Le Flirt
  23. Sports et Divertissements: Le Feu d'artifice
  24. Sports et Divertissements: Le Tennis
  25. Oeuvres Pour Piano: I D'Holothurie
  26. Embryons desseches: II D'Edriophtalma
  27. Embryons desseches: III De Podophtalma
  28. Preludes flasques (pour un chien): I Voix d'interieur
  29. Preludes flasques (pour un chien): II. Idylle cynique
  30. Preludes flasques (pour un chien): III. Chanson canine
  31. Preludes flasques (pour un chien): IV. Avec camaraderie
  32. En habit de cheval (a 4 mains): I Choral
  33. En habit de cheval (a 4 mains): II Fugue litanique
  34. En habit de cheval (a 4 mains): III Autre chose
  35. En habit de cheval (a 4 mains): IV Fugue de papier
  36. Apercus desagreables: I Pastorale
  37. Apercus desagreables: II Choral
  38. Apercus desagreables: III Fugue
  39. Descriptions automatiques: I Sur un vaisseau
  40. Descriptions automatiques: II Sur une lanterne
  41. Descriptions automatiques: III Sur un casque
  42. 3 Petites pieces montees (a 4 mains): De l'enfance de Pantagruel (Reverie)
  43. 3 Petites pieces montees (a 4 mains): Marche de Cocagne (Demarche)
  44. 3 Petites pieces montees (a 4 mains): Jeux de Gargantua (Coin de Polka)
  45. Peccadilles importunes: Etre jaloux de son camarade qui a une grosse tete
  46. Peccadilles importunes: Lui manger sa tartine
  47. Peccadilles importunes: Profiter de ce qu'il a des cors aux pieds pour lui voler son cerceau
  48. Pieces froides - No. 1 Airs a faire fuir: I D'une maniere particuliere
  49. Pieces froides - No. 1 Airs a faire fuir: II Modestement
  50. Pieces froides - No. 1 Airs a faire fuir: III S'inviter
  51. Pieces froides - No. 2 Danses de travers: I En y regardant par deux fois
  52. Pieces froides - No. 2 Danses de travers: II Passer
  53. Pieces froides - No. 2 Danses de travers: III Encore
  54. La Belle Excentrique: I Grande ritournelle
  55. La Belle Excentrique: II Marche franco-lunaire
  56. La Belle Excentrique: III Valse du 'Mysterieux baiser dans l'oeil'
  57. La Belle Excentrique: IV Can-can grand-mondain
  58. 3 Sarabandes: No. 1
  59. 3 Sarabandes: No. 2
  60. 3 Sarabandes: No. 3

Amazon.com

It's simple: in his various realizations of the piano music of Erik Satie, Aldo Ciccolini set a standard that has yet to be bettered. This compilation, drawn from recordings made between 1966 and 1971, is consequently the best of the best. Ciccolini always played Satie's music as though it had been written by Claude Debussy, not by some cheap charlatan or uneducated primitive (which, to an extent that is still debatable, Satie was). The result is that these seemingly simple piano pieces acquire a tonal allure that is as surprising as it is undeniable. They possess an understated sophistication that points directly toward Ravel and Poulenc, at the same time providing an opening to the minimalist aesthetic of the later 20th century. Ciccolini's playing is pliant and graceful, and under his fingers the music seems to breathe and come alive. What more could a composer or a listener want? --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Picasso in sound.......2006-02-19

Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Eric Satie were drinking buddies; it shouldn't be surprising that their work, though in different media, should bear striking similarities. This CD set replaces a very badly abused vinyl recording from the 1960s. No one plays Satie like Aldo Ciccolini. I do wish the Parade had been included, Satie wrote the music, Cocteau the libretto and Picasso did the sets and costumes-Satie's only ballet. Of course, the circa 1910 audience walked out. It's the story of an out-of-work ballet company that goes out onto the streets of Paris to try to get customers to come inside. The customers are stereotypes like the American in a cowboy outfit who adds the sound of this six gun to the music and the secretary who types through the encounter. The back wall of the theater was covered with Picasso designed neon signs flashing in bright colors throughout the performance. Across the front of the stage he'd strung acetate on which were playing street scenes of Paris from three cameras-red, blue and green. The men were way, way ahead of their times.

5 out of 5 stars Great but NOT complete.......2004-12-23

Please note that this collection does NOT contain Erik Satie's complete works for piano. The collection makes no such claim, but at 5 CDs, some may assume it to be complete and none of the other reviews to date mention this. I am too lazy to do the research to come up with a complete list, but offhand I know that these songs are missing - "Je Te Veux", "Fantaisie-Valse" and "Valse-Ballet". These 3 are among my favorite Satie pieces, so yes, I think the collection is diminished somewhat by their absence.

Aldo Ciccolini always has been the greatest interpreter of Satie's work for piano. Ciccolini has a feel for Satie that no one else does, although I have to admit that I prefer a faster tempo to "Poudre D'Or" than the slower, introspective tempo Ciccolini always uses, but that's only a small matter of personal preference. These recordings were originally made in 1967 and 1971 and the sound quality is excellent. At the dawn of the CD era at various sessions from 1983-1986, Ciccolini recorded Satie's complete works for piano on EMI on 5 CDs. They are currently out of print in America, with the exception of one compilation CD (also available at Amazon at the time of writing) with Gabriel Tacchino playing the 2nd piano on the pieces for 2 pianos. Ciccolini was overdubbed playing the 2nd piano on the original recordings in this review. I have a slight preference for the later recordings, but many seem to prefer these originals. You can't go wrong with these, just understand that they are not complete and the missing songs are among Satie's best.

5 out of 5 stars There's only one........2004-06-26

If you're reading this, you've already heard Satie's music, so I needn't to go into that. I do want to say that this is the only recording of Satie that is worth hearing. Ciccolini is the only foot that will fit the Satie glass slipper. Don't waste your money on the ugly step-sisters.

4 out of 5 stars Don't forget Satie was an Anti-Romantic.......2002-02-25

No one could deny that setting every disperse music in a unique album is a remarkable job. But I didn't like much the approach of Ciccolini, which I knew around 1975 while getting borrowed the vinyl LPs in the Embassy of France in Buenos Aires. Now I'd like to explain to whom it may concern why do I feel that way.
Satie was an anti-romantic composer, at the point of creating the "furniture-music" (musique d'ameublement) which refuses that music could be so expressive as romantics wanted. Other ones clasifies him as a "Surrealist" composer (anti-romantic movement too), but there are no signs of dreams of unconsciousness through his work. Since that point of view you could play Satie's music anyway but expressively. Satie wasn't Debussy, besides the fact that they knew personally and admire each other. Could you play Debussy in a plain style without damage?. I don't think so, because Satie was farther of expressive tradition than Debussy: we can say that Debussy is a spirit of the XIX Century while Satie is a precursor of the XXth. Remember his own words: "I came to the world too young in a time too old".
The best performance I heard of the piano work of our composer was in charge of Jacques Fevrier on the excelent album called "Monsieur Erik Satie", with such a "sideman" as another member of the group of six as Georges Auric for the 4 hands pieces.
I wave goodbye with a great embrace to all Satie's fans.

5 out of 5 stars "Electric Spirit of Eric Satie" fans this is the one !.......2001-08-17

Fans of "The Electronic Spirit of Eric Satie" will immediately recognize Aldo Ciccolini as one of the few musicians in touch with the true "Satie" style. The selections correspond to "Electric Spirit" ; except, performed as a good piano solo. The piano recording is done so well it's better than most orchestral versions. It sounds very much like "Electric Spirit" without orchestration nor electronic "boops" and "beeps"-- just a good piano. It's really just as funny and powerful; and here it has a class act. This performance is a rare find !
Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Gnossiennes No1-6
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great Performance, disappointing listening experience
  • Great Performance, not so great quality recording
  • Splendid Introduction to Satie's Piano Music
Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Gnossiennes No1-6

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
$7.99 and Under$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Satie, ErikSatie, Erik | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
InstrumentalInstrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Satie: Piano Works
  2. After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie
  3. The Best of Erik Satie
  4. Satie: Orchestral Works
  5. The Magic of Satie

ASIN: B00004R95Q
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Trois Gymnopedies: I. Lent Et Douloureux
  2. Trois Gymnopedies: II. Lent Et Triste
  3. Trois Gymnopedies: II. Lent Et Grave
  4. I. Lent
  5. Six Gnossiennes: II. Avec Etonnement
  6. Six Gnossiennes: III. Lent
  7. Six Gnossiennes: IV. Lent
  8. Six Gnossiennes: V. Modere
  9. Six Gnossiennes: VI. Avec Conviction Et Avec Une Tristesse Rigoureuse
  10. Croquis Et Agaceries D'un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: I. Tyrolienne Turque (Avec Precaution Et Lent)
  11. Croquis Et Agaceries D'un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: II. Danse Maigre (A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs) (Assez Lent Si Vous Le Voulez Bien)
  12. Croquis Et Agaceries D'un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: III. Espanana (Sorte De Valse)
  13. Embryons Desseches: I. - D'Holothurie (Allez Un Peu)
  14. Embryons Desseches: II. - D'Edriophtalma (Sonore)
  15. Embryons Desseches: III. - De Podophtalma (Un Peu Vif)
  16. Sonatine Bureaucratique: Allegro - Andante - Vivace
  17. Avant-dernieres Pensees: I. Idylle, (A Debussy) (Modere, Je Vous Prie)
  18. Avant-dernieres Pensees: II. Aubade (A Paul Dukas) (Pa Vite)
  19. Avant-dernieres Pensees: III. Meditations (A Albert Roussel) (Un Peu Vif)
  20. Veritables Preludes Flasques (Pour Un Chien): I. Severe Reprimande (Vif [Sans Trop])
  21. Veritables Preludes Flasques (Pour Un Chien): II. Seul A La Maison (Pas Vite)
  22. Veritables Preludes Flasques (Pour Un Chien): III. On Joue (Aller)
  23. Cinq Nocturnes: I. Doux Et Calme
  24. Cinq Nocturnes: II. Simplement
  25. Cinq Nocturnes: III. Un Peu Mouvemente
  26. Cinq Nocturnes: IV. Mysterieux et tendre
  27. Cinq Nocturnes: V.
  28. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: I. Maniere De Commencement (Allez Moderement) - Gabriel Tacchino
  29. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: II. Prolongation Du Meme (Au Pas) - Gabriel Tacchino
  30. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: 1. Lentement - Gabriel Tacchino
  31. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: 2. Enleve - Gabriel Tacchino
  32. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: 3. Brutal - Gabriel Tacchino
  33. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: III. En Plus (Calme) - Gabriel Tacchino
  34. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: IV. Redite (Dans Le Lent) - Gabriel Tacchino
  35. La Belle Excentrique: I. Grand Ritournelle - Gabriel Tacchino
  36. La Belle Excentrique: II. Marche 'Franco-Lunaire' - Gabriel Tacchino
  37. La Belle Excentrique: III. Valse Du 'Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'oeil' (Mouvement De Valse) - Gabriel Tacchino
  38. La Belle Excentrique: IV. Cancan Grand-Mondain (Galop) - Gabriel Tacchino

Amazon.com

Aldo Ciccolini's late-1960s survey devoted to Erik Satie's piano music helped spawn new interest in the idiosyncratic French composer. The pianist rerecorded the cycle digitally, and it is from these remakes that the present reissue stems. While the performances are refreshingly pert, stylish, and perceptive, the rather glassy, treble-heavy engineering can't hold a candle to EMI's warmer analog sound for the earlier recordings. Be that as it may, this disc covers a spectrum of Satie's creative moods (to say nothing of his bizarre titles), from the pensive Gymnopédies, Gnossiennes, and Nocturnes to the upbeat irony inherent in the character pieces. Gabriel Tacchino joins Ciccolini for a balletic romp through La belle excentrique. Happily, this duo will have none of the fussy rubato with which a handful of world-class pianists distort Trois Morceaux en forme de poire. If warm, rounded piano sound is not an issue, then this disc will do just fine as your basic Satie starter kit. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Great Performance, disappointing listening experience.......2007-05-06

The performance of all of the pieces on this disk are exceptional, and the recording of the piano itself is well done. Unfortunately, both are almost irreparably marred by a loud recording hiss throughout the performances. The fact that this hiss fades to zero between sets only serves to highlight the hiss and make it distracting again. I am stunned that this disk advertises itself as a DDD recording, the engineers and producers should be ashamed. If you know how to process hiss out of a recording, go for it. Otherwise, be warned, you may be disappointed.

3 out of 5 stars Great Performance, not so great quality recording.......2006-01-19

I think that the interpretation of Satie's work here is really good, but my complain is that the recording has a lot of noise in it, is not just the noise of a life performance (which I don't mind), but there is a clear white noise in the background that spoils the overall effect. Still, as I said the interpretation is just great, but the noise issue forces me to give a 3 start rating.

5 out of 5 stars Splendid Introduction to Satie's Piano Music.......2004-05-29

I must confess my ignorance with respect to Satie and his music, so this fine CD was a revelation. Satie clearly falls in the same group of "Impressionist" composers such as Debussy, but still remains an enigmatic figure, in part because of the satirical content of his music, as well as his personality. In Aldo Ciccolini, Satie had one of his foremost champions. This CD is replete with graceful, lyrical playing of Satie's works. I am truly surprised that Satie was neglected until the 1960's, when Ciccolini began championing his music. The sound quality isn't nearly as warm as earlier EMI analogue recordings, but this isn't a major disappointment in what is otherwise a splendid introduction to Satie's music.
The Magic of Satie
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great take on Satie
  • I may be too harsh but this was a disappointment
  • Quite... simply...a joy!
  • Maybe the best...
  • A new standard for Satie
The Magic of Satie
Thibaudet , and Satie
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Satie: Piano Works
  2. After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie
  3. The Best of Erik Satie
  4. The Chopin I Love
  5. Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Gnossiennes No1-6

ASIN: B0000665EW
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

  1. Gymnopedie No.1
  2. Gnossiennes No.1
  3. Gnossiennes No.2
  4. Gnossiennes No.3
  5. Gnossiennes No.4
  6. Gnossiennes No.5
  7. Gnossiennes No.6
  8. Gnossiennes No.7
  9. Verset Laique & Somptueux
  10. Gymnopedie No.2
  11. Je Te Veux
  12. Prelude
  13. Entr'acte
  14. Finale
  15. The Dreamy Fish
  16. Le 'Piccadilly'
  17. The Angora Ox
  18. Gymnopedie No.3
  19. I. Ne Bois Pas Ton Chocolat Avec Tes Doigts
  20. II. Ne Souffle Pas Dans Tes Oreilles
  21. III. Ne Mets Pas Ta Tete Sous Ton Bras
  22. I. Allegro
  23. II. Andante
  24. III. Vivache
  25. La Diva De L'Empire
  26. I. Marche Franco-Lunaire
  27. II. Valse Du Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'oeil
  28. I. Preambule
  29. II. Coquecigrue
  30. III. Chasse
  31. IV. Fanfaronnade
  32. V. Retraite (Pour Sortir)

Amazon.com

Don't judge this splendid disc by its silly title. Jean-Yves Thibaudet has put together an imaginatively programmed and gorgeously played Erik Satie recital that is certain to acquire reference status alongside the classic Satie recordings by Aldo Ciccolini, his one-time mentor. The difference lies in Decca's far superior sonics, and Thibaudet's warmer, more robust piano sonority. He imbues the music with subtle dynamic gradations and varied articulations that keep Satie's sparse textures vibrant and fresh, without any of the posturing and willfully slow tempi favored by several Satie specialists. Thibaudet cleverly separates the three famous Gymnopédies and intersperses them between brooding works like the Gnossiennes, upbeat, dry-witted selections ("Jack in the Box" and "La Belle Excentrique," along with some fascinating world premieres). And it's refreshing to hear the cabaret song "Je Te Veux" so seamlessly phrased, as if vocal chords had temporarily replaced the piano's hammers. Simply a joy. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great take on Satie.......2007-01-05

I spent a lot of time listening to sound clips to decide which Satie CD to buy. Some of the other ones I listened to had too much background noise or were too mechanical. I love the eb and flow that Thibaudet adds to the piano music. It is gorgeous!

3 out of 5 stars I may be too harsh but this was a disappointment.......2005-08-30

I purchased this CD to replace a favorite tape that had worn out of nearly the same collection of Satie pieces. The music is great but Thibaudet plays it without the upbeat enthusiasm that makes the music magic. Sorry, Thibaudet.

5 out of 5 stars Quite... simply...a joy!.......2003-01-09

Extraordinary, eloquent, intimate and impassioned performances. Each time I listen, I get taken deeper into Satie, yes, but also into *music* itself. Satie's music is really meant for the performer (note his comments on the score), intimately.

I also think Satie used it as map & vehicle rather than as destination. (I used to refer to - and prefer - Aldo Ciccolini while reading the score. Thibaudet has provided a whole new landscape to fit the map.)

Although Satie said his music should be performed "so that no-one listens to it," I think he was actually trying to get to us in the same way that admonishing someone to not think about elephants has the opposite effect.

Thibaudet's interpretations are a joy to listen to, to pay attention to. (And I thought I knew Satie...!) Whether taken as seriously as a mating dance, or as playful as one, there is a profound sense of intimacy here.

If your impression of Satie is that he wrote "furniture music" long before Muzak - sounds to provide a background while you eat or chat or have drinks, or shop at Nordstroms - then this recording may reawaken you. Thiba breathes new life into Satie, new levels: it seems to take one into deeper realms of consciousness, toward thoughtless contemplation.

(And I learned that "'Gnossienne' refers to the 'Crane Dance' performed in the labyrinth of the palace of Knossos [Gnossos] in ancient Crete." ...Now, is that provocative?)

5 out of 5 stars Maybe the best..........2002-12-25

This album offers both first time recordings and a high quality, warm sound that may help you to feel Satie's free-from-tricks music. As it says in the booklet, you don't need to be a virtuoso to play Satie but you have to understand the certian state of mind. The Magic of Satie is probably the best choice for both old and new Satie listeners.

5 out of 5 stars A new standard for Satie.......2002-12-25

Like many others, I discovered the music of Satie upon hearing the recordings of Aldo Ciccolini. As mentioned by Distler above, Thibaudet studied with Ciccolini although they apparently never worked on Satie's music together. No matter. This is a wonderfully recorded and played selection of Satie's music. Satie's music is unique- he is one of those musicians who seemed determined to not sound like anybody else. At least, that I know of. In spite of that, he is one of the most accessible of modern composers because of his melodicism.
I have listened to many performers play some of these pieces and Thibaudet is the best I have heard since Ciccolini. The only thing that keeps me from recommending this CD without reservation is that Thibaudet plans to release a box set in the near future that will contain all of Satie's piano music. If you are an obsessed completist like myself that is something to really look forward to.
Satie: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Simple, the Sublime, and the Surreal
  • Great complete set
  • the BEST
Satie: L'Oeuvre Pour Piano

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
SarabandeSarabande | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
PassacagliasPassacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Debussy: Complete Works For Piano
  2. Satie: The Complete Solo Piano Music
  3. Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)
  4. Satie: Piano Works
  5. Fauré: Piano Music complete [Box Set]

ASIN: B00005IA09
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

  1. Trois Gymnopedies: I. Lent Et Douloureux
  2. Trois Gymnopedies: II. Lent Et Triste
  3. Trois Gymnopedies: III. Lent Et Grave
  4. Heures Seculaires Et Instantanees: I. Obstacles Venimeux
  5. Heures Seculaires Et Instantanees: II. Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi)
  6. Heures Seculaires Et Instantanees: III. Affolements Granitiques
  7. Les Trois Valses Du Precieux Degoute: I. Sa Taille
  8. Les Trois Valses Du Precieux Degoute: II. Son Binocle
  9. Les Trois Valses Du Precieux Degoute: III. Ses Jambes
  10. Avant-Dernieres Pensees: I. Idylle
  11. Avant-Dernieres Pensees: II. Aubade
  12. Avant-Dernieres Pensees: III. Meditation
  13. Trois Gnossiennes: I. Lent
  14. Trois Gnossiennes: II. Avec Etonnement
  15. Trois Gnossiennes: III. Lent
  16. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Maniere De Commencement
  17. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Prolongation Du Meme
  18. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: I. Lentement
  19. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: II. Enleve
  20. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: III. Brutal
  21. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: En Plus
  22. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Redite
  23. Croquis Et Agaceries D'Un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: I. Tyrolienne Turque
  24. Croquis Et Agaceries D'Un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: II. Danse Maigre (A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs)
  25. Croquis Et Agaceries D'Un Gros Bonhomme En Bois: III. Espanana (Sorte De Valse)
  26. Trois Nocturnes: I. Doux Et Calme
  27. Trois Nocturnes: II. Simplement
  28. Trois Nocturnes: III. Un Peu Movt
  29. La Belle Excentrique, Fant Serieuse: I. Grande Ritournelle
  30. La Belle Excentrique, Fant Serieuse: II. Marche Franco-Lunaire
  31. La Belle Excentrique, Fant Serieuse: Valse Du Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'Oeil
  32. La Belle Excentrique, Fant Serieuse: Cancan 'Grandmondain'

Tracks:

  1. Descriptions Automatiques: I. Sur Un Vaisseau
  2. Descriptions Automatiques: II. Sur Une Lanterne
  3. Descriptions Automatiques: III. Sur Un Casque
  4. Veritables Prlds Flasques: I. Severe Reprimande
  5. Veritables Prlds Flasques: II. Seul A La Maison
  6. Veritables Prlds Flasques: III. On Joue
  7. Vieux Sequins Et Vieilles Cuirasses: I. Chez Le Marchand D'or (Venise XIIIe Siecle)
  8. Vieux Sequins Et Vieilles Cuirasses: II. Danse Cuirassee (Periode Grecque)
  9. Vieux Sequins Et Vieilles Cuirasses: III. La Defaite Des Cimbres (Cauchemar)
  10. En Habit De Cheval: I. Choral
  11. En Habit De Cheval: II. Fugue Litanique
  12. En Habit De Cheval: III. Autre Choral
  13. En Habit De Cheval: IV. Fugue De Papier
  14. Sports Et Divertissements: Choral Inappetissant
  15. Sports Et Divertissements: La Balancoire
  16. Sports Et Divertissements: La Chasse
  17. Sports Et Divertissements: La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
  18. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Reveil De La Mariee
  19. Sports Et Divertissements: Colin-Maillard
  20. Sports Et Divertissements: La Peche
  21. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Yachting
  22. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Bain De Mer
  23. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Carnaval
  24. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Golf
  25. Sports Et Divertissements: La Pieuvre
  26. Sports Et Divertissements: Les Courses
  27. Sports Et Divertissements: Les Quatre Coins
  28. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Pique-nique
  29. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Water-chute
  30. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Tango
  31. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Traineau
  32. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Flirt
  33. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Feu D'artifice
  34. Sports Et Divertissements: Le Tennis
  35. Chapitres Tournes En Tous Sens: I. Celle Qui Parle Trop
  36. Chapitres Tournes En Tous Sens: II. Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
  37. Chapitres Tournes En Tous Sens: III. Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
  38. Apercus Desagreables: I. Pastorale
  39. Apercus Desagreables: II. Choral
  40. Apercus Desagreables: III. Fugue
  41. Embryons Desseches: I. D'Holothurie
  42. Embryons Desseches: II. D' Edriophtalma
  43. Embryons Desseches: III. De Podophtalma
  44. Trois Sarabandes: No.1
  45. Trois Sarabandes: No.2
  46. Trois Sarabandes: No.3

Tracks:

  1. Prlds Flasques: I. Voix D'interieur
  2. Prlds Flasques: II. Idylle Cynique
  3. Prlds Flasques: III. Chanson Canine
  4. Prlds Flasques: IV. Avec Camaraderie
  5. Reverie De L'enfance De Pantagruel
  6. Les Pantins Dansent
  7. Passacaille (Oeuvre Posthume)
  8. Le Piege De Meduse (Oeuvre Posthume): Quadrille/Valse/Pas Vite/Mazurka/Un Peu Vif/Polka/Quadrille
  9. Menus Propos Enfantins: I. Le Chant Guerrier Du Roi Des Haricots
  10. Menus Propos Enfantins: II. Ce Que Dit La Petite Princesse Des Tulipes
  11. Menus Propos Enfantins: III. Valse Du Chocolat Aux Amandes
  12. Enfantillages Pittoresques: I. Petit Prld A La Journee
  13. Enfantillages Pittoresques: II. Berceuse
  14. Enfantillages Pittoresques: III. Marche Du Grand Escalier
  15. Peccadilles Importunes: I. Etre Jaloux De Son Camarade Qui A Une Grosse Tete
  16. Peccadilles Importunes: II. Lui Manger Sa Tartine
  17. Peccadilles Importunes: III. Profiter De Ce Qu'il A Des Cors Aux Pieds Pour Lui Prendre Son Cerceau
  18. Pieces Froides, No.1 - Trois Airs A Faire Fuir: I. D'Une Maniere Particuliere
  19. Pieces Froides, No.1 - Trois Airs A Faire Fuir: II. Modestement
  20. Pieces Froides, No.1 - Trois Airs A Faire Fuir: III. S'inviter
  21. Pieces Froides, No.2 - Danses De Travers: I. En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
  22. Pieces Froides, No.2 - Danses De Travers: II. Passer
  23. Pieces Froides, No.2 - Danses De Travers: III. Encore
  24. Prld En Tapisserie
  25. Trois Gnossiennes: No.4 Lent
  26. Trois Gnossiennes: No.5 Modere
  27. Trois Gnossiennes: No.6 Avec Conviction Et Avec Une Tristesse Rigoureuse
  28. Nouvelles Pieces Froides: I. Sur Un Mur
  29. Nouvelles Pieces Froides: II. Sur Un Arbre
  30. Nouvelles Pieces Froides: III. Sur Un Pont
  31. Premiere Pensee De La Rose+Croix
  32. Sonneries De La Rose+Croix: I. Air De L'Ordre
  33. Sonneries De La Rose+Croix: II. Air Du Grand Maitre
  34. Sonneries De La Rose+Croix: III. Air Du Grand Prieur
  35. Deux Reveries Nocturnes: I. Pas Vite (Revez Doucement)
  36. Deux Reveries Nocturnes: II. Tres Moderement

Tracks:

  1. Petite Ov A Danser
  2. Quatre Prlds: I. Fete Donnee Par Des Chevaliers Normands En L'Honneur D'Une Jeune Demoiselle
  3. Quatre Prlds: II. Prld D'Eginhard
  4. Quatre Prlds: III. 1er Prld Du Nazareen
  5. Quatre Prlds: IV. 2eme Prld Du Nazareen
  6. Le Fils Des Etoiles, Wagnerie Kaldeenne Du Sar Peladan: Prld Du 1er Acte: La Vocation
  7. Le Fils Des Etoiles, Wagnerie Kaldeenne Du Sar Peladan: Prld Du 2eme Acte: L'Initiation
  8. Le Fils Des Etoiles, Wagnerie Kaldeenne Du Sar Peladan: Prld Du 3eme Acte: L'Incantation
  9. Jack In The Box: I. Prld
  10. Jack In The Box: II. Entracte
  11. Jack In The Box: Final
  12. Desepoir Agreable
  13. Effronterie
  14. Poesie
  15. Prld Canin
  16. Profondeur
  17. Songe Creux
  18. Prld De La Porte Heroique De Ciel
  19. Musiques Intimes Et Secretes: Nostalgie
  20. Musiques Intimes Et Secretes: Froide Songerie
  21. Musiques Intimes Et Secretes: Facheux Exemple
  22. Carnet D'esquisses Et De Croquis (Air - Essais - * - Notes - Notes - Le Prisonnier Maussade...

Tracks:

  1. Premier Menuet
  2. Nocturne No.4
  3. Nocturne No.5
  4. Trois Petites Pieces Montees: De L'Enfance De Pantagruel (Reverie)
  5. Trois Petites Pieces Montees: Marche De Cocagne (Demarche)
  6. Trois Petites Pieces Montees: Jeux De Gargantua (Colin De Polka)
  7. Ogives: Premiere Ogive
  8. Ogives: Deuxieme Ogive
  9. Ogives: Troisieme Ogive
  10. Ogives: Quatrieme Ogive
  11. Danses Gothiques: No.1 A L'Occasion D'Une Grande Peine
  12. Danses Gothiques: No.2 Dans Laquelle Les Peres De La Tres Veritable Et Tres Sainte Eglise Sont...
  13. Danses Gothiques: No.3 En Faveur D'Un Malheureux
  14. Danses Gothiques: No.4 A Propos De Saint-Bernard Et Sainte-Lucie
  15. Danses Gothiques: No.5 Pour Les Pauvres Trespasses
  16. Danses Gothiques: No.6 Ou Il Est Question Du Pardon Des Injures Recues
  17. Danses Gothiques: No.7 Par Pitie Pour Les Ivrognes, Honteux Debauches, Imparfaits, Desagreables...
  18. Danses Gothiques: No.8 En Le Haut Honneur Du Venere Saint-Michel, Le Gracieux Archange
  19. Danses Gothiques: No.9 Apres Avoir Obtenu La Remise De Ses Fautes
  20. Sonatine Bureaucratique
  21. Poudre D'Or, Valse
  22. Pages Mystiques: I. Priere
  23. Pages Mystiques: II. Vexations
  24. Pages Mystiques: III. Harmonies
  25. Douze Petits Chorals

Amazon.com

Pianist Aldo Ciccolini garnered lots of attention in the late 1960s and early 1970s when he recorded all of Erik Satie's original piano music for EMI. The cycle remains first choice for Satie fans, who certainly will welcome its first complete (as opposed to excerpted) reissue on CD. Ciccolini's interpretations are paradigms of expressive economy and directness, and happily eschew the "let's see how slow and important I can make these works" attitude that sometimes prevails among younger Satie practitioners. Ciccolini's diamond-edged sonority, sparkling technique, and willingness to accept the composer's high quirk quotient at face value further enhance these performances. While Ciccolini admirably overdubs himself in the piano duet works, one misses the added color and ensemble give and take gained from Ciccolini's digital remakes partnered by Gabriel Tacchino. For the price, though, Satie fans can hardly go wrong. Don't let EMI's French-only annotations prevent you from acquiring this classic cycle. Get it while you can. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Simple, the Sublime, and the Surreal.......2007-03-27

This collection makes for good listening. There is a great deal of variety and character (Oh, is there character!) to be found in the various pieces. While most people have likely heard one or more of Satie's Gymnopedies at the very least in the background music of a TV ad, this collection pulls together the rarely-heard piano pieces as well. One that I had been seeking, Vexations, is a short piece to be repeated 840 times.

The titles of the pieces bear witness to Satie's sense of humor, rebellion against conventions of the day, and his pleasure in the surreal. Translations help to enjoy the unusual titles (who could not love "Piece in the Form of a Pear"?), some of which are reminiscent of Magritte's monikers.

Aldo Ciccolini's performances are clear, with definite respect for the composer's works. There was a noticeable distinction between the tempi of the works that come "in threes", such as the Gymnopedies.

I found that this collection fit nicely on my iPod, allowing me to take it on the road and enjoy it wherever the mood struck me. In some cases, the juxtaposition of Satie's music with my whereabouts provided yet another dimension of surreal-ity that had to be savored. The fact that most of these piano pieces are brief lends them to shuffling with other styles.

While this collection is not for the casual listener to classical music, it does allow you to come into closer contact with one of the more unconventional minds of classical music. If you are serious about late 19th- or early 20th-century music, especially French music, or the influence of popular music on serious music, then this is not only for you, but a bargain as well.

4 out of 5 stars Great complete set.......2004-11-21

This is the definitive Satie collection for piano. Well-recorded and well played. I am a fan of French Impressionism in all of its incarnations and appreciated getting a full set of Satie under one cover. However, not all of these interpretations are my favorites. The best Gnossienne, IMHO, is that of Reinbert de Leeuw. He takes it slow and draws everything out of that piece. Ciccolini's interpretation is rushed and not as melodic. However, the Ciccolini tempo works well on other pieces, such as the other Satie favorite, Gymnopédies.

All in all, this collection is well worth having for any Satie fan.

5 out of 5 stars the BEST.......2003-04-21

Satie is a weirdo. Often overlooked by serious classical enthusiasts for a variety of reasons, he was an eccentric person and a very original composer. His quirky, playful temperament gave his pieces the intrigue they still hold today.

Aldo Ciccolini is the perfect pianist for these pieces. He seems to be the quintessential Satie interpreter. His playing is dazzling, crisp, and delightful. Aldo has a real knack for these sorts of french artists, and really seems to understand their style.

Unlike many other pianists, he does not try to over-romanticize these works. He plays them appropriately - briskly, and brimming with energy. Even on such lulling pieces as the Gnossienes and Gymnopedies he plays with an essential awareness. His confidence is winning, and his understanding of the pieces makes them shine and scintillate. And at such a generous price, how can you go wrong? This is well worth it.
The Music Of Satie: Orchestra, Piano, Voice
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Buy it for the songs
  • A Laughably Cheap Way to Experience Satie
The Music Of Satie: Orchestra, Piano, Voice

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Satie: Orchestral Works
  2. Satie: Piano Works
  3. A Mammal's Notebook: Collected Writings of Erik Satie (Atlas Arkhive , No 5)
  4. Satie: Piano Music
  5. Twenty Short Pieces for Piano (Sports et Divertissements)

ASIN: B000001K4B
Release Date: 1994-08-22

Tracks:

  1. Je te veux
  2. Tendrement
  3. La diva de
  4. La statue de bronze
  5. Dapheneo
  6. Le chapelier
  7. Trois poemes d'amour
  8. Elegie
  9. Danseuse
  10. Chanson
  11. Adieu
  12. Air du rat
  13. Spleen
  14. La grenouille Americaine
  15. Air du poete
  16. Chanson du chat
  17. Choral Hypocrite
  18. Fugue a tatons
  19. Fantaisie musculaire
  20. Pastorale
  21. Choral
  22. Fugue
  23. Choral
  24. Fugue Litanique
  25. Autre choral
  26. Fugue de papier
  27. Maniere de commencement
  28. Prolongation du meme
  29. Lentement
  30. En leve
  31. Brutal
  32. En plus
  33. Redite
  34. Entr'acte cinematographiquie from the ballet

Tracks:

  1. Parade
  2. De l'enfance de Pantagruel
  3. Marche de Cocagne
  4. Jeunesse de Gargantua
  5. Piege de Meduse
  6. Allez un peu
  7. Sombre
  8. Un pen vif
  9. Les Pantines dansent
  10. Grande ritournelle
  11. Marche Franco-lunaire
  12. Valse des mysterieux baiser dans l'oel
  13. Cancan grand mondian
  14. Socrate: Part I
  15. Socrate: Part II
  16. Socrate: Part III

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Buy it for the songs.......2005-07-20

For my money, this disc is worth its weight in gold for the magnificent performances of the songs by Elaine Bonazzi and Frank Glazer. Bonazzi's voice is a rich mezzo and her French is impeccable. Furthermore, she invests the songs with just the right amount of wry sophistication. Her personality really brings these little jewels to life. Frank Glazer is the knowing accompanist. You won't be disappointed!!

5 out of 5 stars A Laughably Cheap Way to Experience Satie.......2003-01-08

If you ever wanted to expose yourself to the music of Erik Satie but were not sure where to start, this is your disc. If you are turned off by all of the Satie albums marketed as "the world's most relaxing music" this is also your disc. If you've always thought of Satie as a hack of meagre talent who hid his lack of ability under a facade of cool surrealistic irony, this is your disc. For just over ten dollars, this disc shows Satie in all of his range, from pop cabaret song composer, to artist of exquisite sensibility. At this price, you should lap this one right up.

Most of these recordings are reissues of earlier Vox material from the 70's. I have most of the originals in either tape or LP form, but cannot review absolutely everything on the CD, due to holes in my collection. But what I do know from this series is terrific. The vocal music covers most of Satie's most important music in this form. Je Te Veux and Tendrement are both cabaret pieces, and as such they are revealing of Satie's melodic gifts, gifts not readily apparent in his other work. Both are luxurious 19th century salon pieces in the best sense of the word, well crafted and graceful for the voice. Some of the later songs, including the brilliantly surreal Luditions are exactly what you would expect Satie to write, quirky and yet with something deeper underneath.

The duo piano music is largely unknown to me, with the exception of the Three Morceaux in the Form of a Pair. This piece is very similar to other Satie solo piano works, charming, and seemingly lightweight, but with some disquieting undertones hidden under a childlike exterior.

However the real reason to get this CD is for the orchestral and dramatic works. Parade is a classic of it's kind, the first ballet about nothing to be produced. Concieved by Cocteau, with set and costume design by Picasso and choreography by Massine (i think)the work was a success du scandale in Paris. Musically, Satie's orchestrations are clever and very well balanced and his music is somewhere between minimally brilliant and banal. The banality is an essential part of the work however, so I don't mean this as a criticism.

Relache may have been Satie's most revolutionary work. It is the antithesis of the omnipresent Gymnopodies. This is almost a harsh work, though not in the sense of harsh dissonance. It is devised around a very limited series of ideas and repeats those ideas in subtly varied ways throughout it's length. As such, the work predates minimalism by about 50 years. Satie was often sited by Cage as a major influence. It's easy to believe that this is the work that was most influential on him.

I do know the other works on this album as well, but the real masterpiece is Satie's Socrate. Socrate reveals a side of Satie that is not usually evident, his serious and very spiritual side. Socrate is a "dramatic" scene for orchestra and voice, setting three sections of the dialogues of Plato. Satie is completely serious in these works, composing a flowing, austere vocal line that sets the Socratic dialogues in relief in all their stark beauty. Rather than manipulate the emotion, Satie aims for an almost antique atmosphere, with subtly moving instrumental lines and modal melodies. The work is less dramatic than hypnotic and as such Socrates' death at the end of the third scene is deeply moving. Until I had heard this work (recommended to me by my composition teacher in college) I had no idea that Satie could be such a powerful composer. Socrate is years ahead of it's time, exerting a powerful influence on Cage (who's Cheap Imitation I is an aleatoric reworking of the material of this piece), Lamonte Young, Glass and latterly Arvo Part. This work alone is worth the price of the CD. Add to that the chance to hear excellent renditions of Relache and Parade and the CD is self-recommending. Anyone interested in the roots of modern music would do well to own this CD.
Ravel & Satie: Piano Works - Anne Queffelec (4 CD's)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Ravel & Satie: Piano Works - Anne Queffelec (4 CD's)
    Anne Queffelec , Maurice Ravel , and Erik Satie
    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    PavanesPavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ravel, MauriceRavel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    FantasiesFantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    PassacagliasPassacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Debussy: Piano Works

    ASIN: B00030FJIU
    Release Date: 2004-11-16

    Tracks:

    1. 1. Tyrolienne Torque
    2. 2. Danse Maigre/A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs
    3. 3. Espanana
    4. 1. Sur Un Vaisseau
    5. 2. Sur Une Lanterne
    6. 3. Sur Casque
    7. 1. Sa Taille
    8. 2. Son Binocle
    9. 3. Ses Jambes
    10. Petite Ouverture A Danser
    11. A. Valse/Ballet
    12. B. Fantaisie/Valse
    13. Les Pantins Dansent
    14. Caresse
    15. Danse De Travers
    16. 1. D'Une Maniere Tres Particuliere
    17. 2. Modestement
    18. 3. S'Inviter
    19. 1. En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
    20. 2. Passer
    21. 3. Encore
    22. Premiere Pensee Rose+Croix
    23. Prelude De La Port Heroique
    24. Passacaille
    25. Prelude En Tapisserie
    26. Poudre D'Or
    27. Maniere De Commencement
    28. Prolongation Du Meme
    29. Morceau 1/Lentement
    30. Morceau 2/Enleve
    31. Morceau 3/Brutal
    32. En Plus (Calme)
    33. Redite (Dans Le Lent)
    34. Grande Ritournelle
    35. 1. Marche (Franco Lunaire)
    36. 2. Valse Du (Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'Oeil)
    37. 3. Cancan (Grand-Mondain)

    Tracks:

    1. No. 1 Lent
    2. No. 2 Avec Etonnement
    3. No. 3 Lent
    4. No. 4 Lent
    5. No. 5 Modere
    6. No. 6 Avec Conviction Et Avec Une Tristesse Rigoureuse
    7. Severe Reprimande
    8. Seul A La Maison
    9. On Joue
    10. Chez Le Marchand D'Or
    11. Danse Cuirassee (Periode Grecque)
    12. La Defaite Des Cimbres (Cauchemar)
    13. Celle Qui Parle Trop
    14. Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
    15. Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
    16. No. 1 Lent Et Douloureux
    17. No. 2 Lent Et Triste
    18. No. 3 Lent Et Grave
    19. 1. D'Holothurie
    20. 2. D'Edriophthalma
    21. 3. De Podophthalma
    22. Je Te Veux
    23. 1. Allegro
    24. 2. Andante
    25. 3. Vivace
    26. 1. Obstacles Venimeux
    27. 2. Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi)
    28. 3. Affolements Granitiques
    29. Le Piccadilly-Marche
    30. 1. Idylle, A Debussy
    31. 2. Aubade, A Paul Dukas
    32. Meditation, A Albert Roussel
    33. Choral Inappetissant
    34. La Balancoire
    35. La Chasse
    36. La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
    37. Le Reveil De La Mariee
    38. Colin-Maillard
    39. La Peche
    40. Le Yachting
    41. Le Bain De Mer
    42. Le Carnaval
    43. Le Golf
    44. La Pieuvre
    45. Les Courses
    46. Les Quatre-Coins
    47. Le Pique-Nique
    48. Le Water-Chute
    49. Le Tango
    50. Le Traineau
    51. Le Flirt
    52. Le Feu D'Artifice
    53. Le Tennis

    Tracks:

    1. Prelude
    2. Fugue
    3. Forlane
    4. Riguadon
    5. Menuet
    6. Toccata
    7. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
    8. Menuet Antique
    9. Noctuelles
    10. Oiseaux Tristes
    11. Une Barque Sur L'Ocean
    12. Alborada Del Gracioso
    13. La Vallee Des Cloches

    Tracks:

    1. Jeux D'Eau
    2. 1. Modere
    3. Mouvement De Menuet
    4. 3. Anime
    5. Prelude
    6. Serenade Grotesque
    7. Modere
    8. Assez Lent
    9. Modere
    10. Assez Anime
    11. Presque Lent
    12. Vif
    13. Moins Vif
    14. Epilogue: Lent
    15. Menuet Sur Le Nom De Haydn
    16. A La Maniere De Chabrier
    17. A La Maniere De Borodine
    18. Ondine
    19. Le Gibet
    20. Scarbo
    Satie: Piano Works
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Ciccolini Knows Satie
    Satie: Piano Works

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    SarabandeSarabande | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    FantasiesFantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    MarchesMarches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    PassacagliasPassacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    SonatasSonatas | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
    2. Strauss: Orchestral Works
    3. Symphonies 1-3 / Piano Concerto 1-4 / Isle of Dead
    4. Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
    5. Mozart: Chamber Music

    ASIN: B0000BWTKN
    Release Date: 2003-11-04

    Tracks:

    1. Allegro
    2. Valse-Ballet 'Op.62'
    3. Fantaise-Valse
    4. 1. (Lent) (A Monsieur Conrad Satie)
    5. 2. (Lent) (A Maurice Ravel)
    6. 3. (Lent)
    7. 1. Lent Et Douloureux (A Mademoiselle Jeanne De Bret)
    8. 2. Lent Et Triste (A Conrad Satie)
    9. 3. Lent Et Grave (A Charles Levade)
    10. Fete Donnee Par Des Chevaliers Normands En l'Honneur D'Une Jeune Demoiselle
    11. Maniere De Commencement
    12. Prolongation Du Meme
    13. Morceau I: Lentement
    14. Morceau II: Enleve
    15. Moreceau III: Brutal
    16. En Plus
    17. Redite
    18. Premier Nocturne (A Madame Marcelle Meyer)
    19. Deuxieme Nocturne (A Andre Salomon)
    20. Troisieme Nocturne (A Madame Jean Hugo)
    21. Quatrieme Nocturne (A Madame La Comtesse Etienne De Beaumont)
    22. Cinquieme Nocturne (A Madame Georges Cocteau)
    23. De L'Enfance De Pantagruel (Reverie)
    24. Marche De Cocagne
    25. Jeux De Gargantua (Coin De Polka)
    26. Premier Menuet (A Claude Dubosq)
    27. Idlle (A Debussy)
    28. Aubade (A Paul Dukas)
    29. Meditation (A Albert Roussel)

    Tracks:

    1. Premiere Ogive (A J.P. Contamine De Latour)
    2. Deuxieme Ogive (A Charles Levade)
    3. Troisieme Ogive (A Madame Clement Le Breton)
    4. Quatrieme Ogive (A Conrad Satie)
    5. Premiere Pensee Rose + Croix
    6. Air De L'Ordre
    7. Air Du Grand Maitre (Le Sar Josephin Peladan)
    8. Air Du Grand Prieur (Le Comte Antoine De La Rochefoucauld)
    9. Prelude Du 1 Acte: La Vocation. Theme Decoratif: La Nuit De Kaldee
    10. Prelude Du 2 Acte: L'Initiation. Theme Decoratif: La Salle Basse Du Grand Temple
    11. Prelude Du 3 Acte: L'Incantation. Theme Decoratif: La Terrasse Du Palais Du Patesi Goudea
    12. Prelude Du Nazareen
    13. Prelude Du Nazareen
    14. Prelude
    15. A L'Occasion D'Une Grande Peine
    16. Dans Laquelle Les Peres De La Tres Veritable Et Tres Sainte Eglise Sont Invoques
    17. En Faveur D'Un Malheureux
    18. A Propos De Saint Bernard Et De Sainte Lucie
    19. Pour Les Pauvres Trepasses
    20. Ou Il Est Question De Pardon Des Injures Recues
    21. Par Pitie Pour Les Ivrognes, Honteux, Debauches, Imparfaits, Desagreables, Et Faussaires En Tous Genres
    22. En Le Haut Honneur Du Venere Saint Michel, Le Gracieux Archange
    23. Apres Avoir Obtenu La Remise De Sis Fautes
    24. Prelude
    25. Priere
    26. Vexations
    27. Reverie Du Pauvre
    28. Verset Laique & Somptuex

    Tracks:

    1. Caresse
    2. Danse De Travers No.2 (Version 1)
    3. Petite Musique De Clown Triste
    4. The Dreamy Fish
    5. Air
    6. Essais
    7. ( - )
    8. Notes
    9. Notes
    10. Le Prisonnier Maussade
    11. Le Grand Singe
    12. Exercices
    13. Notes
    14. Harmonies
    15. Songerie Vers 'Jack'
    16. Bribes
    17. Choral
    18. Exercices
    19. Exercices
    20. Exercices
    21. Exercices
    22. Esquisses & Sketch Montmartrois No.1. Petit Prelude De La 'Mort De Monsieur Mouche'
    23. Esquisses & Sketch Montmartrois No.2 Un Peu Vif
    24. Essais (Arriere-Propos)
    25. Petite Danse
    26. Desespoir Agreable
    27. No.1 Effronterie
    28. No.2 Poesie
    29. Preludes Pour Un Chien: No.2 (Prelude Canin)
    30. Profondeur
    31. Songe-Creux
    32. Passacaille
    33. Prelude En Tapisserie
    34. Nostalgie
    35. Froide Songerie
    36. Facheux Exemple
    37. No.1
    38. No.2
    39. No.3
    40. No.4
    41. No.5
    42. No.6a
    43. No.6b
    44. No.7
    45. No.8
    46. No.9
    47. No.10
    48. No.11
    49. No.12 (1908-9)
    50. Pas Vite
    51. Tres Moderement
    52. Pastorale (1912)
    53. Choral (1908)
    54. Fugue (1908)
    55. Choral
    56. Fugue Litanique
    57. Autre Choral
    58. Fugue De Papier

    Tracks:

    1. Sur Un Mur
    2. Sur Un Arbre
    3. Sur Un Pont
    4. Voix D'Interieur
    5. Idylle Cynique
    6. Chanson Canine
    7. Avec Camaraderie
    8. Severe Reprimande
    9. Seul A La Maison
    10. On Joue
    11. Sur Un Vaisseau (A Madame Fernand Dreyfus)
    12. Sur Une Lanterne (A Madame Joseph Ravel)
    13. Sur Un Casque (A Madame Paulette Darty)
    14. D'Holothurie (A Mademoiselle Suzanne Roux)
    15. D'Edriophthalma (A Monsieur Edouard Dreyfus)
    16. De Podophthalma (A Madame Jane Mortier)
    17. Tyrolienne Turque (A Mademoiselle Elvira Vines Soto)
    18. Danse Maigre (A La Maniere De Ces Messieurs) (A Monsieur Fernando Vines Soto)
    19. Espanana (A Mademoiselle Claude Emma Debussy)
    20. Celle Qui Parle Trop
    21. Le Porteur De Grosses Pierres
    22. Regrets Des Enfermes (Jonas Et Latude)
    23. Chez Le Marchand D'Or
    24. Danse Cuirassee
    25. La Defaite Des Cimbres
    26. Allegro - Andante - Vivache
    27. Chant Guerrier Du Roi Des Haricots
    28. Ce Qui Dit La Petite Princesse Des Tulipes
    29. Valse Du Chocolat Aux Amandes
    30. Petite Prelude A La Journee
    31. Berceuse
    32. Marche Du Grand Escalier
    33. Etre Jaloux De Son Camarade Qui A Une Grosse Tete
    34. Lui Manger Sa Tartine
    35. Profiter De Ce Qu'il A Des Cors Aux Pieds Pour Lui Prendre Son Cerceau
    36. Le Vilain Petit Vaurien
    37. Berceuse
    38. La Gentille Toute Petite Fille
    39. Choral Inappetissant (Grave)
    40. La Balancoire (Lent)
    41. La Chasse (Vif)
    42. La Comedie Italienne (A La Napolitaine)
    43. Le Reveil De La Mariee (Vif, Sans Trop)
    44. Colin-Maillard (Petitement)
    45. La Peche (Calme)
    46. Le Yachting (Modere)
    47. Le Bain De Mer (Mouvemente)
    48. Le Carnaval (Leger)
    49. Le Golf (Exalte)
    50. La Pieuvre (Assez Vif)
    51. Les Courses (Un Peu Vif)
    52. Les Quatre-Coins (Joie Moderee)
    53. Le Pique-nique (Dansant)
    54. Le Water-Chute (Gracieusement)
    55. Le Tango Perpetuel (Modere Et Tres Ennuye)
    56. Le Traineau (Courez)
    57. Le Flirt (Agite)
    58. Le Feu D'Artifice (Rapide)
    59. Le Tennis (Avec Ceremonie)
    60. Obstacles Venimeux (Noiratre)
    61. Crepuscule Matinal (De Midi) (Sans Grandeur)
    62. Affolements Granitiques (Vivement)
    63. Sa Taille (A Roland-Manuel)
    64. Son Binocle (A Mademoiselle Linette Chalupt)
    65. Ses Jambes (A Rene Chalupt)

    Tracks:

    1. Gnossienne No.5
    2. Gnossienne No.1
    3. Gnossienne No.3
    4. Gnossienne No.4
    5. Gnossienne No.2
    6. Gnossienne No.6
    7. D'une Maniere Particuliere
    8. Modestement
    9. S'Inviter
    10. En Y Regardant A Deux Fois
    11. Passer (Version 2)
    12. Encore
    13. Prelude
    14. Entracte
    15. Final
    16. Petit Ouverture A Danser
    17. Je Te Veux
    18. Poudre D'or
    19. Le Piccadilly (La Transatlantique). Marche
    20. Quadrille
    21. Valse
    22. Pas Vite
    23. Mazurka
    24. Un Peu Vif
    25. Polka
    26. Quadrille
    27. Les Pantins Dansent
    28. Marche Franco-Lunaire
    29. Grande Ritournelle
    30. Valse Du Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'oeil'
    31. Grande Ritournelle
    32. Cancan Grand-Mondain

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Ciccolini Knows Satie.......2004-06-02

    Aldo Ciccolini is arguably the greatest interpreter of Erik Satie, and he can also be credited with rescuing the minimalist from certain obscurity with the recordings he made of the composer's music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. For years I have enjoyed selections of those performances and I figured it was time to upgrade to a more complete set. As a result, I recently got this title. Unfortunately, this 5CD box set from EMI Classics collects Ciccolini's digital remakes of Satie's Piano Works, and not the original recordings of which I had grown so fond. (I have since discovered that a French Import of the complete original recordings is available.) The overall difference is minimal (yes, pun intended!) but I have to give the nod to the analog performances because of a slightly warmer, brighter sound. Also with a first time recording, there is an intangible element in the charting of new territory that I feel is never quite recaptured when revisited. With that being said, for the pieces requiring two pianists, the digital accounts are superior. While Ciccolini overdubbed himself originally, here he partners with Gabriel Tacchino to greater effect. In all, this is an excellent set by an unparalled master of Satie's music, but if I had to it over again I would have chosen the first incarnation.
    Homage to Satie
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Another coup for Abravanel. Nobody cleanses the palate like Satie.
    Homage to Satie

    Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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    1. The Music Of Satie: Orchestra, Piano, Voice
    2. Benjamin Britten - The Turn of the Screw / Padmore · Milne · Wyn Davies · Montague · City of London Sinfonia · Hickox
    3. Dreamgirls (Two-Disc Showstopper Edition)
    4. Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series
    5. Casino Royale (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)

    ASIN: B0007IA56Y
    Release Date: 2005-03-22

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Another coup for Abravanel. Nobody cleanses the palate like Satie........2006-02-04

    Let's first say that I was not predisposed to like Satie, given my love for counterpoint (from Bach to Hindemith) and my respect for the nobility of the musical enterprise, as opposed to superficial fluff. So my 2,500+ collection of classical CDs is packed with "monumental" items (tons of Bruckner & Mahler versions, complete works of Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Hindemith, etc.), most of which tends toward the heavy, thick side (if not sonically, then in terms of musical values and aesthetics). But I listened to these two Satie disks totally enthralled, breaking out into spontaneous smiles at what Satie has achieved. The "breath of fresh air" that critics have ascribed to Satie's works isn't mere hype, at least insofar as Satie is accurately represented in this orchestral set list: this truly is some of the most gorgeously crafted music I've ever heard. Most of the movements are concise to the extreme (which makes Satie something of the Anti-Bruckner), but this formal structure works to the advantage of the music, where elegant ideas are presented without excessive hyper-rationalization. Even the humorous, parodistic parts of the ballets are well-crafted.

    The performances are outstanding across the board. The surprise, sonically, is the virtual absence of tape hiss, and the crystal clarity of this dynamic recording. It sounds better than several hundred digitally-recorded CDs in my collection! Too bad more analog era recordings don't receive so excellent a transfer and re-mastering (none of which are even credited on this CD). The engineers were apparently humble as well as perfectionists. (If their humility was involuntary, oh well.)

    If you have preconceptions about Satie's "lack of depth," etc. (as I once did), this recording will realign your priorities. Satie's depth is found in a different place. In their own way, the various miniatures he has crafted are actually as intensely packed as any Webern movement for string quartet. Satie has stripped the music back to what HE regarded as the essentials. The result, far from being stark or austere, comes across as embodying musical joy in an utterly unpretentious manner. This is a CD I will likely break out every other month just to cleanse the palate. You HAVE to respect a composer who can bring a smile to your face, and you have to respect a conductor who knows how to bring such elemental music to vibrant life as Abravanel has done here. Highly recommended.
    Satie and the Four-Handed Piano
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Probably the Finest 4-Handed Satie...
    Satie and the Four-Handed Piano

    Manufacturer: Decca
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    SarabandeSarabande | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    Rogi, PascalRogi, Pascal | ( R ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00004DTQS
    Release Date: 2000-03-14

    Tracks:

    1. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Maniere de commencement
    2. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Prolongation du meme
    3. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: I Lentement
    4. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: II Enleve
    5. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: III Brutal
    6. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: En plus
    7. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Redite
    8. PARADE: Prelude du rideau rouge
    9. PARADE: Prestidigitateur chinois
    10. PARADE: Petite fille americaine
    11. PARADE: Rag-time du paquebot
    12. PARADE: Acrobates
    13. PARADE: Supreme effort et chute des managers
    14. PARADE: Suite au Prelude du rideau rouge
    15. Troisieme Sarabande
    16. La Belle Excentrique: I Marche franco-lunaire
    17. La Belle Excentrique: Grande Ritournelle
    18. La Belle Excentrique: II Valse du 'mysterieux baiser dans l'oeil'
    19. La Belle Excentrique: Grande ritournelle
    20. La Belle Excentrique: III Cancan grand-mondain
    21. Apercus desagreables: Pastorale
    22. Apercus desagreables: Choral
    23. Apercus desagreables: Fugue
    24. Six Pieces de la periode: Desespoir agreable, No. 1
    25. Six Pieces de la periode: Songe-Creux, No. 6
    26. En Habit De Cheval: Choral
    27. En Habit De Cheval: Fugue litanique
    28. En Habit De Cheval: Autre choral
    29. En Habit De Cheval: Fugue de papier
    30. Trois Petites Pieces montees: I De l'enfance de Pantagruel (Reverie)
    31. Trois Petites Pieces montees: II Marche de Cocagne (Demarche)
    32. Trois Petites Pieces montees: III Jeux de Gargantua (Coin de Polka)
    33. Choses vues a droite et a gauche (sans lunettes): Choral hypocrite
    34. Choses vues a droite et a gauche (sans lunettes): Fugue a tatons
    35. Choses vues a droite et a gauche (sans lunettes): Fantaisie musculaire

    Amazon.com

    The headline news is that the performers get Satie right here. Many Satie recordings are too lush, losing the astringent edge that keeps his loveliness from turning to sentimentality. Rogé, the main performer, has the right idea. He plays with beautiful tone and phrasing, but adds just enough edge to his sound that the music never turns mushy. The program includes all Satie's music for piano four hands, including the famous "Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear" (Satie's ironic reply to Debussy's suggestion that he pay more attention to form), along with a few solos. A four-hand version of the ballet Parade, without the gunshots and sirens of the orchestral version, might seem useless, but it comes off very well. Juillet joins Rogé for the rarely heard "Things Seen to the Right and Left (Without Eyeglasses)," also capturing the appropriate irony. This well-recorded disc is a winner. --Leslie Gerber

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Probably the Finest 4-Handed Satie..........2007-07-16

    .
    For those who want to go indepth in their search for the elusive Satie, his music for piano duet must not be overlooked. And for 4-handed Satie, this is probably the finest realizations we're likely to hear.

    Pascal Rogé is a very fine pianist; yet I feel he's slightly overlooked, when he should be actively sought out--espeically with the French literature. Seek: After the Rain...The Soft Sounds of Erik Satie ; and Satie: 3 Gymnopédies and Other Piano Works . (Although Erik Satie: Piano Works ; Satie: Gymnopédies No1-3; Petite ouverture à danser ; and Satie: Piano Music; Mélodies [includes DVD] are really good.)

    Much of Satie's 4-handed piano music bears the quiet dignity of his "popular" Gymnopédes, Gnossiennes, and Nocturnes. Some of it is a little more tempestuous--i.e., the Parade. Doubleplus bonus, this disc contains Satie's only little works for violin and piano.

    For those really interested in Satie, four recent discs are absolutely essential: Vexations ; Erik Satie: Musique de la Rose-Croix; Pages Mystiques; Uspud [Import] ; Socrate and Melodies .

    This disc seems to be out of print, so recommend it be obtained from a 3rd party vendor quickly.
    .
    Satie: Popular Piano Works
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • A Great Introduction to Satie
    • The placid calm
    • Erik Satie/Seraphim Classics
    Satie: Popular Piano Works

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by SatieAll Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    NocturnesNocturnes | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ciccolini, AldoCiccolini, Aldo | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    CDs Under $7CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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    ASIN: B000040OCH
    Release Date: 2000-01-25

    Tracks:

    1. Trois Gymnopedies: I. Lent et douleureux
    2. Trois Gymnopedies: II. Lent et triste
    3. Trois Gymnopedies: III. Lent et grave
    4. Six Gnossiennes: I. Lent
    5. Six Gnossiennes: II. AVec etonnement
    6. Six Gnossiennes: III. Lent
    7. Six Gnossiennes: IV. Lent
    8. Six Gnossiennes: V. Modere
    9. Six Gnossiennes: VI. Avec conviction et avec une tristesse rigoureuse
    10. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Maniere de commencement
    11. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Prolongation du meme
    12. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: I.
    13. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: II.
    14. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: III.
    15. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: En plus
    16. Trois Morceaux En Forme De Poire: Redite
    17. Jack In Box: Prelude
    18. Jack In Box: Entracte
    19. Jack In Box: Finale
    20. Le Balle Excentrique: I. Grande ritournelle
    21. Le Balle Excentrique: II. Marche franco-lunaine
    22. Le Balle Excentrique: III. Valse du 'Mysterieux baiser dans l'oeil'
    23. Le Balle Excentrique: IV. Can-can grand-mondain
    24. Sports et Divertissements: Choral inappetissant
    25. Sports et Divertissements: La Balancoire
    26. Sports et Divertissements: La Chasse
    27. Sports et Divertissements: La Comedie Italienne
    28. Sports et Divertissements: Le Reveil de la Mariee
    29. Sports et Divertissements: Colin Maillard
    30. Sports et Divertissements: Le Peche
    31. Sports et Divertissements: Le Yatching
    32. Sports et Divertissements: La Bain de mer
    33. Sports et Divertissements: La Carnaval
    34. Sports et Divertissements: Le Golf
    35. Sports et Divertissements: Le Pieuvre
    36. Sports et Divertissements: Les Courses
    37. Sports et Divertissements: Les Quatres-Coin
    38. Sports et Divertissements: Le Pique-Nique
    39. Sports et Divertissements: Le Water-Chute
    40. Sports et Divertissements: Le Tango
    41. Sports et Divertissements: Le Traineau
    42. Sports et Divertissements: Le Flirt
    43. Sports et Divertissements: Le Feu d'artifice
    44. Sports et Divertissements: Le Tennis
    45. Embryons desseches: I. d'Holothurie
    46. Embryons desseches: II. d'Edriophthalma
    47. Embryons desseches: III. de Podophthalma
    48. En Habit De Cheval: I. Choral
    49. En Habit De Cheval: II. Fugue litanique
    50. En Habit De Cheval: III. Autre chose
    51. En Habit De Cheval: IV. Fugue de papier
    52. Trois Nocturnes: I. Doux et calme
    53. Trois Nocturnes: II. Simplement
    54. Trois Nocturnes: III. Un Peu mouvemente

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to Satie.......2002-08-26

    It takes a very fine sense of balance to play Satie correctly, to avoid ruining the score by being either overly sonorous or overly energetic. Aldo Ciccolini cuts just the right line, picking a well-balanced middle ground.

    Aside from delivering one of the better performances of 'Trois Gymnopedies', Ciccolini offers both an invigorating version of 'Jack in the Box', as well as a suitably loopy rendition of 'Le Balle Excentrique'. All in all, a great introduction to Satie, and one that may be enough for most.

    4 out of 5 stars The placid calm.......2001-01-10

    I found this recording particularily soothing and mild. The processing is a little harsh and the programming is rough. However, Ciccolini seems to seep Satie from his fingers with such comfort and ease. It's excellent thinking music.

    Minimalist to a fault--but the watercolors are vivid.

    3 out of 5 stars Erik Satie/Seraphim Classics.......2000-09-26

    This is an analogue recording, the recording date is not given. The sound quality is excellant and some of the pieces are performed well; however, his perforfance of the Gymnopedies on EMI catalogue #67282 is superior.

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