Satie the Gymnopaedist

When presenting himself to the director of a well-known cabaret in Paris, Erik Satie, a man not lacking a sense of humor, declared himself as a “gymnopaedist”, not quite being sure of what it meant exactly but leading the cabaret owner into a bit of a stupor. This small event happened much earlier than the three genius piano compositions titled “Gymnopedies” got written and saw world in 1888. The word itself did not quite exist this way, but versions are that it may signify either dance or antiquity or warfare or even nudity – still no accurate explanation. This way or another, but as unique as the title was, was the nature of these compositions. They are considered to be the predecessors of the modern ambient genre, though not to be confused with Satie’s ‘furniture music’ that was quite similar in essence.

Like mentioned above, there were three gymnopedies but the first and the third one really ‘caught up’. The second one was published many years later and was omitted by Debussy who made orchestration for the first two. And between those ones, number one is a definite leader. Gymnopedie No. 1 was featured by Gary Numan, Vladimir Cosma, Charles Fox, Lana Del Rey, also in numerous films and video games. Due to its soft ‘ambient’ nature, Gymnopedie No. 1 is often associated with autumn. For me, although composed for piano, this piece sounds wonderfully when arranged for cello. Here’s a lovely arrangement for cello quartet by Sheryl Smith.

Let the Bells Jingle!

Every single year, the entire USA, as well as a major part of Europe, and, well, almost the whole Orthodox world actually, look forward to celebrating one of the warmest and kindest holidays on Earth – Christmas. This tradition is no doubt associated with a number of Christmas songs and funny carols. But even the non-residents of the US when asked what song is most of all related with this holiday for them admit that the sounds of “Jingle Bells” can’t help but pop up in their minds reminding of the oncoming fun, tree decoration and merry family reunions.

Written by an American musician James Lord Pierpont and originally published titled as “One Horse Open Sleigh” the song turned into the most commonly-performed piece during Christmas celebrations, even though it was supposed to become a Thanksgiving piece. Once popular in Medford (Massachussets) races in sleighs served Pierpont as the subject of inspiration. Its fruit became one of the most recognizable songs ever, which awarded its author with a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The list of musicians who performed or recorded the song is so long that it reaches… the space! Yes, that’s not a misprint! This is the 1st song that was broadcasted from the outer space performed on harmonica by Tom Stafford and Wally Schirra in 1965.

The Christmas legend is still being parodied and re-made a lot. And each parody or new version still preserves the magic Christmas charm of the original. One of my favorite arrangements is the piano version of “Jingle Bells” by OLC Barcelona Sheet Music. Happy anticipating!

Scriabin's most recorded work

The main symbolist-composer of Russian music, Alexander Scriabin has been distinguished for his inimitable music style fostered by composer’s adherence to synesthesia, mysticism and theosophy. Sadly, his impact on Russian and world classical music was not properly acknowledged during his lifetime. The famous sonatas had just a few recordings, which, however, changed by our time. Today Scriabin’s sonatas serve as a guideline for professional composers, learning sample for beginning musicians and a source of joy for the general public.

Probably the most innovative of all Scriabin’s sonatas is “Sonata No. 5” which was the 1st one to be composed in one movement. That’s the form Alexander stuck to in future works. The unusual manner of composition might be attributable to the event there were going on in composer’s life. He finally decided to move from Paris to a ‘purer’ area and it gave him more freedom and inspiration for work. The sonata actually took just 6 days to write, and the music milieu accepted it with envy and admiration at the same time. The work enjoyed so much approval that became Scriabin’s most recorded piece.