Audio CD review:
Thibaudet, Satie - The Magic of Satie

Thibaudet, Satie - The Magic of Satie

Band: Thibaudet, Satie Title: The Magic of Satie Rating: Release Date: 10 September, 2002 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Gymnopedie No.1 2: Gnossiennes No.1 3: Gnossiennes No.2 4: Gnossiennes No.3 5: Gnossiennes No.4 6: Gnossiennes No.5 7: Gnossiennes No.6 8: Gnossiennes No.7 9: Verset Laique & Somptueux 10: Gymnopedie No.2 11: Je Te Veux 12: Prelude 13: Entr'acte 14: Finale 15: The Dreamy Fish 16: Le 'Piccadilly' 17: The Angora Ox 18: Gymnopedie No.3 19: I. Ne Bois Pas Ton Chocolat Avec Tes Doigts 20: II. Ne Souffle Pas Dans Tes Oreilles 21: III. Ne Mets Pas Ta Tete Sous Ton Bras 22: I. Allegro 23: II. Andante 24: III. Vivache 25: La Diva De L'Empire 26: I. Marche Franco-Lunaire 27: II. Valse Du Mysterieux Baiser Dans L'oeil 28: I. Preambule 29: II. Coquecigrue 30: III. Chasse 31: IV. Fanfaronnade 32: V. Retraite (Pour Sortir)

Editoral Review Jean-Yves Thibaudet has put together an imaginatively programmed and gorgeously played Erik Satie recital that is certain to acquire reference status alongside the classic Satie recordings by Aldo Ciccolini, his one-time mentor. Don't judge this splendid disc by its silly title. The difference lies in Decca's far superior sonics, and Thibaudet's warmer, more robust piano sonority. He imbues the music with subtle dynamic gradations and varied articulations that keep Satie's sparse textures vibrant and fresh, without any of the posturing and willfully slow tempi favored by several Satie specialists. Thibaudet cleverly separates the three famous Gymnopédies and intersperses them between brooding works like the Gnossiennes, upbeat, dry-witted selections ("Jack in the Box" and "La Belle Excentrique," along with some fascinating world premieres). And it's refreshing to hear the cabaret song "Je Te Veux" so seamlessly phrased, as if vocal chords had temporarily replaced the piano's hammers. Simply a joy. --Jed Distler .. You can see a complete list of all Thibaudet, Satie discography, or go back to the Thibaudet, Satie tabs