Erik Satie

Posted by: Lark on 13 January 2009

Hi All

I am just starting to dip into the world of classical music, and must admit it is very daunting. I have stumbled across Erik Satie (Gymnopedies & Gnossiennes) and so far this is ticking all the right boxes. My very naive and probably silly question is from this are there any tips as to what I should sample next. Does this point to a direction/ composer etc.

Cheers Karl

Posted on: 13 January 2009 by graham halliwell

Hi Karl

all Satie's piano music is worth investigating - there are many recordings out there - try and sample some before you buy.

From Satie I would also give Debussy a try. Orchestral and piano music. Good luck!

Posted on: 13 January 2009 by u5227470736789439

http://forums.naim-audio.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/380...2986007/r/9522986007

Here is a good thread from a while back [seems that four year can fly by!], which gives some useful starting points with piano music, and its worth reading right through for many suggestions from different contributors.

Best wishes from George

Posted on: 13 January 2009 by Lark

Thanks Graham, sounds like a plan.

Thanks George, I will parcel the kids off to bed and then have a good read.

Cheers Karl

Posted on: 13 January 2009 by Huwge

Off the top of my head:
Alkan, Debussy, Mompou and Ravel

Huw

Posted on: 13 January 2009 by fred simon

Mompou, Ravel, and Debussy.

All best,
Fred

Posted on: 14 January 2009 by droodzilla

quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Fred,
I dont think i have ever heard of Mompou.
One to look for.
Thanks.

Start with this Gramaphone award winning recital - it's lovely:

Regards
Nigel

Posted on: 14 January 2009 by Huwge

quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:
quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Fred,
I dont think i have ever heard of Mompou.
One to look for.
Thanks.

Start with this Gramaphone award winning recital - it's lovely:

Regards
Nigel

The Naxos discs are also very good, Jordi Masó playing.

Posted on: 14 January 2009 by fred simon

quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Fred,
I dont think i have ever heard of Mompou.
One to look for.
Thanks.

Federico Mompou was a Spanish composer, sometimes referred to as "the Catalan Satie." Satie ws one of his primary influences, and his music is wonderful. I think anyone who digs Satie would dig Mompou.

As a young man he knew Satie, Debussy and Ravel; he died at 94 in 1987. One of his greatest works is the collection of piano music Musica Callada (Silent Music), composed labetween 1959 and 1967. I strongly recommend this recording by pianist Herbert Henck on the ECM label:

Enjoy!

All best,
Fred

Posted on: 14 January 2009 by Tarquin Maynard-Portly

Not many people know this, but his real name was Jim Nopody.

Posted on: 17 January 2009 by hardholgi

Hello Karl.
I like very much the following wonderful Satie record:

Amarcord Vienna playing violin, cello, accordion and bass.

Regards,
Holger

Posted on: 17 January 2009 by KenM

Karl,
Satie was instrumental in founding "Les Six", a group of early 20th century French composers who wanted to get away from the perceived influence of Wagner.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Six

You might like to try some of their music, particularly that of Francis Poulenc.

Recommendations for particular versions are often a matter of personal taste. You will find some on this forum, others in books such as the "Gramophone Guide" and the "Penguin Guide".

Regards,
Ken

Posted on: 17 January 2009 by Lark

Hi All

A big thanks to everyone. Lots of help and advice.

KenM an extra large thanks, I will do some research

Cheers Karl

Posted on: 22 January 2009 by bazz

This is a superb disc. Not sure if it's available outside Oz but well worth seeking out, 77 minutes of Satie miniatures beautifully played and recorded.