Title : The Magic of Satie
Author : Satie, Erik
Release Date : 20020910
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $16.98
Amazon.com Price : $13.98
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Editorial Reviews : 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.
Buyer Reviews : I heard Yves on NPR talking about Satie and this album. Satie was a very eccentric genius, that wrote short little stories along with the notes in his music. When I heard Yves reading one of these stories along with the musical composition I was blown away. I realized that this was an artist that can breathe life into his music. This is very minimalistic music that is deceptively complex. My favorite part about this disk is how much feeling and expression is in each song. I recommend this to anyone that loves classical piano.