Customer Reviews

Satie: 3 Gymnopedies and Other Piano Works

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The lingering despair of Satie's gnossienes and gymnopedies are among the most affected compositions from the last century, and Roge transmits this fragility such that one becomes cautious of other Satie interpreters after experiencing his delicate phrasing. In addition to the artistic quality of Roge's pianism, this disc is a very comprehensive survey of Satie's piano works, although it neglects the gorgeous nocturnes that can be found on a recording by Roge unfortunately titled "after the rain..the soft sounds of Erik Satie." For anyone looking for the most comprehensive survey I suggest this disc if you are not embarrassed by its title.

I bought this disc first on tape in the 80's, and later I got it on CD, and it's still my favorite recording. The 'space' complained about by another reviewer is, for me part of this disc's allure. Roge and the engineers give this unique music the right amount of spaciness, which combined with the wit and humor of the interpretaion, make this a winner. This disc is 62 minutes long, which is shorter than some, but well chosen enough and just short enough to leave me wanting more. I did buy Roge's second Satie disc, but I don't listen to it nearly as much as I do this one. The Miro painting on the cover is fun, too.

This is the most sensitively recorded collection of Saties piano works that I've heard. His Gymnopedies and Gnossiennes are the best interpretations yet. He has the spirit of Eric Satie.

This is far and away the best playing of Satie's most popular works. Roge's other Satie disk is worth owning as well. Tempos are carefully chosen, with special attention to the subtleties each work presents. I also own Ciccolini and Thibaudet's complete Satie recordings and Roge outshines them at nearly every turn. A must own disc for all true Satie lovers.

Because these pieces are not terribly difficult to play, every pianists thinks they can play them. How wrong. Like bad high school poetry, more is needed than technical ability. A great Sherpa in the Satie Cosmos is the French pianist Pascal Rogé. If you want Satie, you want Rogé.

Although I enjoyed the performances that Pascal Roge gave on this CD, the recording could have been much better. There is too much reverb on the recording. There also doesn't seem to be much high-end on the recording making it sound rather "muddy" to my ears. I have to give it low marks because of that. Consequently I'm returning my copy.