Erik Satie: Ogives & Gymnopedies

Erik Satie‘s Ogives und Gymnopédies 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 “Gymnopédies” 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 are ideal for teaching purposes. Information on performance practice by Satie specialist Steffen Schleiermacher offer insight into Satie’s music aesthetics.