Have you heard? 11. Gymnopédie No. 1
Have you heard? is a showcase for the unconventional, unique and inspiring music out there that never seems to get the limelight it deserves.
Gymnopédie No. 1 - Erik Satie (1888)
Erik Satie is one of those composers who wrote music that was only noticed much later. Even then, only one set of music has gained widespread recognition - his three Gymnopédie’s, effectively making him a one-hit-wonder. All of the Gymnopédie’s are written solely for piano, but it is the first one that is perhaps the most well-known. It is said that these pieces of music were the precursor to modern ambient music. Chances are that you’ve probably heard this one.
So how does 1800’s ambient piano music constitute an unconventional, unique or inspiring piece of music?
I like Gymnopédie No. 1 because it is so calm and simple. It doesn’t try to be grand or impressive. It just sets a calm scene, almost like a reverie. In many ways it is similar to my own Ruminations. In fact the opening sequence has a very similar feel with its two augmented chords.
From this, Satie opts to bestow an extremely simple and light melody. The piece is almost minimalistic. Slow, lumbering harmonics in the bass and a reflectively lethargic melody in the treble. Throughout the piece this recipe does not change. The only variations are in chord sequences, tones and some dynamics. In the middle of the piece, Satie takes it off the road and into an alternative section of dissonance, augmentation and accidentals. But it is nothing crazy, still just the same simple chords and rhythms. You can even hear in the bass how Satie has used pedal points to keep the music from straying too far from home.
The ambient effect is remarkable. It is so simple, yet beautifully peaceful. The theme is clear and distinctive. Repetition is used extensively to emphasise the good parts. It isn’t an era-defining piece, but it is something relaxing and enjoyable.
Happy listening and enjoy!