SATIE: OGIVES, GYMNOPEDIES P

Erik Satie
Ogives
Gymnopedies

BARENREITER URTEXT
Edited by Jens Rosteck
Notes on performance practice by Steffen Schleiermacher

Satie's Ogives und Gymnopedies are milestones in the history of modern music. The four metrically free Ogives (meaning pointed arches) reflect the influence of the French New Gothic or Neo-Gregorian movement in architecture with their clear lines and echo effects. The three Gymnopedies proceed with a swaying, chordal momentum, and Satie's radically sparse writing makes ironic reference to the dance of young warriors in ancient Sparta during gymnopaedia rituals. The pieces are easy to play and ideal for teaching purposes. Information on performance practice by Satie specialist Steffen Schleiermacher offer insight into Satie's music aesthetics.