LETTER(S) TO ERIK SATIE

“Letter(s) to Erik Satie” offers a compelling exploration of the intertwined worlds of Erik Satie and John Cage, skillfully interpreted by the talented French pianist, Bertrand Chamayou. This dual celebratory recording reveals a nuanced perspective on the iconic figures of experimentalism, showcasing the depth of Chamayou’s connection to their unique musical realms. 

Chamayou’s journey into Satie’s repertoire began with an initial fascination with the composer’s trademark haunting softness. However, it was Cage’s later artistic identification with Satie that truly ignited the pianist’s interest, leading to this thoughtful compilation of solo works. The inclusion of Satie’s well-known pieces, such as the Trois Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes 1-7, is complemented by the deliberate scattering of these classics among lesser-known Satie miniatures. The entire collection is framed by Cage’s compositions, often created as a direct homage to Satie, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two composers. 

The opening track, “All Sides of the Small Stone, for Erik Satie and (Secretly Given to Jim Tenney as a Koan),” attributed to Cage, serves as a compelling starting point. Its discovery inside a score by James Tenney, a Cage mentoree, adds a layer of intrigue to the recording. Tenney’s own composition, “3 Pages in the Shape of a Pear (in celebration of Erik Satie),” makes a fleeting yet significant appearance, bridging the connection between the two composers. 

The meticulous selection and arrangement of pieces showcase Chamayou’s sensitivity as a pianist, allowing the listener to experience Satie and Cage through his distinctive, brilliant lens. Satie’s piano cycle, “Sports et Divertissements,” is masterfully performed, with elegant nuance and occasional dramatic splashes. The natural resonance in the recording enhances the familiarity of Satie’s works, while the Cage pieces, particularly “A Room,” “Swinging,” and “In a Landscape,” are imbued with an otherworldly intensity through a reverberating halo. 

In “Letter(s) to Erik Satie,” Bertrand Chamayou achieves a delicate balance, presenting both the well-known and the obscure with equal devotion. His exploration of the interplay between Satie and Cage provides a fresh perspective on their legacies, making this recording a captivating journey for listeners interested in the evolving landscape of experimental music.