What Is A Gymnopédie?

Comments · 436

• TH

  @themusicprofessor · 3 months ago · pinned

  Apologies to French speakers for my incorrect pronouncement of Ma Mère l'Oye!

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• PE

  @petermather8521 · 6 months ago

  It&apos;s very satisfying to see Satie getting the appreciation he deserves. I remember in the 70s and 80s it was fashionable to dismiss these pieces as too simple, too short, harmonically thin. Disparaging the Gymnopédies was almost a badge of honour or a mark of sophistication in certain musical circles.<br>It is great that the critical tide has turned, and that a knowledgeable musician like Matthew can give us an analysis of his work showing its real sophistication, and acknowledging his influence on Debussy, on the minimalists and others. These pieces are far from the innocent mood music they were caricatured as.<br>Also, I&apos;m sure I&apos;m not alone as a decidedly non-virtuoso pianist in thinking: if the great composers were so great, how come they didn&apos;t write sophisticated music that is also accessible to less than expert players? Satie does exactly that, and I for one, am very grateful to have them.

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• TU

  @Turboy65 · 6 months ago

  It doesn&apos;t take very many notes at all to create something truly beautiful. &nbsp;That&apos;s the lesson.

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• AL

  @allanlees299 · 6 months ago

  This is one of those rare channels that makes the entire Internet worthwhile. Matthew King&apos;s guileless enthusiasm for music is truly inspirational.

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• MA

  @markcenci8000 · 5 months ago

  I realize tonight I’ve waited 56 years to hear this terrific presentation about these mysterious pieces I first heard as a child

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• JM

  @jmichaelcaruso6038 · 5 months ago

  My grandmother listened to Satie during her last days. The Gymnopedie is deeply meaningful and timeless in its essence. Thank you for illuminating its complexity, it&apos;s sculptural and three dimensional nature.

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• LA

  @larryfisher7056 · 6 months ago

  Thankyou I&apos;m 76 years old and have been fascinated with these for at least 50 years. At one time I learned the first one on classical guitar. I can&apos;t play it now but it still resonates with me in a way I can&apos;t express.

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• PA

  @pamsmith7369 · 5 months ago

  I played these as a young person and this video really rounds out the music as I had no idea what a gymnopedie was!<br>I once played the left hand of all three pieces and a friend played the melody line on the flute as an extra credit piece in a music appreciation class!<br>He’s passed on now but this brings back those memories!<br>Thank you!

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• N3

  @n3bmusic · 5 months ago

  The very last chord of the Gymnopédie piece is not expected, very unresolved ... perfect haha

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• I_

  @i_am_zorro · 6 months ago

  About six months ago I started learning piano at age 38. Like many beginners I learned Gymnopedie 1 and quickly became fascinated with Satie, primarily by listening to the renditions on your channel, which are by far my favorite of all the different versions I&apos;ve heard. I&apos;m learning the Gnossiennes now and never tire of them, even playing them every day. Thank you for the beautiful work you do playing those pieces, making these informative videos, and acting as a conduit to the incredible world of classical music. P.S. My children love the chameleon.

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• PH

  @philiptaylor7902 · 6 months ago

  I love these pieces, so simple that a rank amateur like me can play them, yet so profound.

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• EL

  @elisabethpine3420 · 5 months ago

  This piece is magical. Contemplative. Deliberate. Thoughtful.

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