Satie\032s Ogives and Gymnop\303\255\302\251dies are milestones in the history of modern music. The four metrically free \032Ogives\032 (meaning pointed arches) reflect the influence of the French New Gothic or Neo-Gregorian movement in architecture with their clear lines and echo effects. The three \032Gymnop\303\255\302\251dies\032 proceed with a swaying, chordal momentum, and Satie\032s radically sparse writing makes ironic reference to the dance of young warriors in ancient Sparta during gymnopaedia rituals.
The pieces are easy to play and are ideal for teaching purposes. Information on performance practice by Satie specialist Steffen Schleiermacher offer insight into Satie\032s music aesthetics.
