Erik Satie ~1890~ Gnossienne n°3

For the first time here, Erik Satie adds written annotations above the staves (which have no bar lines) that are both advice for the performer, but also comment on what he has composed. These three Gnossiennes repeat their music until the charm, especially in the first one. They must be played slowly as indicated (“Lent“) and these interpretations of Dutch pianist Reinbert de Leeuw transcribe perfectly, in my humble opinion, the atmosphere desired by the composer. As in many three-piece collections of Satie, the second one serves as a light and “nocturnal“ transition between the other two. The third Gnossienne is the most modulating and most decorative one, in which Satie unfolds beautiful slowed down oriental melodies.