L'Oeuvre Pour Piano (Works for Piano) [Box set]

These days, when looking for the works of this extraordinary turn of the century composer, we are usually confronted with a choice of many different interpretations in the classical bins, consisting of collections of essentially the same works .... these are usually the Gymnopedies, the Gnossiennes, Nocturnes 1-3, perhaps the Sarabandes, Pieces Froides, and if we're lucky, a decent rendering of Trois Morceaux en Forme de Poire. Well, this is the package for those who are ready to take the plunge into Mer de Satie. Ciccolini recorded no less than six albums of all the works he could dredge up of this reclusive, modest composer of simple pianistic brilliance, whose pieces rarely extended beyond 3-4 minutes, were often grouped in threes, written in no metre, laughed at the world of art (the 60-second "Vexations" instructs the performer to play it 847 times) and basically had a life of their own.

Aldo C. has, more than any performer, truly preserved the comprehensive catalog of Monsieur Satie for posterity ...... a rewarding experience for those willing to surrender themselves to its magic. My only complaint of this package would have to be the photographic depiction of E.S. as a SERIOUS composer, which would be most deceptive; he was the most irreverent musical mind of his time. Also, though a booklet of liner notes and track indexing is enclosed, it is all in French, which could deprive the listener of the composer's less-than-normal life story and musical influences, not to mention weird titles such as "Dessicated Embryos", "Flabby Preludes (for a dog)" or "Sketches and Exasperations of a Big Boob Made of Wood". This is is no way a deterrent for appreciation of the astounding, simple brilliance of the music.

So if you enjoy the understated beauty of Gymnopedie #1 and are curious enough to take the plunge, get an insight into the evolvement of 20th century music courtesy of a guy who really didn't take any of it seriously, this box set of Aldo Ciccolini's interpretations is a truly gem-packed volume. Beautifully performed and recorded, an invaluable archive worth getting while it's still available in one package.

* solo * August 2003 *

Aldo Ciccolini is the perfect pianist for these pieces. He seems to be the quintessential Satie interpreter. His playing is dazzling, crisp, and delightful. Aldo has a real knack for these sorts of french artists, and really seems to understand their style.

Unlike many other pianists, he does not try to over-romanticize these works. He plays them appropriately - briskly, and brimming with energy. Even on such lulling pieces as the Gnossienes and Gymnopedies he plays with an essential awareness. His confidence is winning, and his understanding of the pieces makes them shine and scintillate. And at such a generous price, how can you go wrong? This is well worth it.