Among the French impressionist composers who intrigued jazz musicians as early as the 1920s was Erik Satie. His Gymnopédies for piano were particular favorites. In later years, some jazz players, including Bill Evans and Herbie Mann, adopted them into their own repertoires. Satie’s Gnossiennes may not be as familiar as the Gymnopédies, but they have qualities of their own and are no less captivating. Here is Alexandre Tharaud playing the Gnossienne no. 1. The video production includes scenes of the pianist’s hands disembodied and the piano being tuned, enigmatic touches that seem somehow appropriate to the mysterious personality of the composer.
Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...
Forty years ago i was writing educational films; and i scripted one titled “Erik Satie and The King of the Beans”–during which Satie befriends a runaway boy (who hates being forced to eat green beans), shows him some of the fun sights of Paris, and convinces him to return home. (Satie then composes his thus-titled work.) Produced, distributed, maybe enjoyed by some, lost in the mists of time (or aetherial Gnossiennes maybe). So i viewed this Tharaud performance (even absent jazz) with suitable Satie’s faction.