Gymnopedie No 2 | Piano Play-Along
Erik Satie
Gymnopédie No. 2 by Erik Satie was composed and published in 1888 as the second piece in his famous set of three Gymnopédies. Like its companion pieces, it exemplifies Satie’s break from the ornate Romantic style, embracing simplicity, subtlety, and a meditative mood that was quite innovative for its time.
Gymnopédie No. 2 features a lyrical, flowing melody that floats over gently oscillating, understated harmonies. The tempo is slow and deliberate, allowing each note and harmonic shift to resonate fully. Stylistically, the piece is marked by its quiet grace and almost dreamlike calmness. Like the other Gymnopédies, this work stands as a quintessential example of Satie’s ability to create profound emotional depth through minimalist means.
Erik Satie was born on May 17th, 1866, in Honfleur, France. Largely considered to be one of the first avant-garde musicians, the clarity and simplicity of Satie’s music seems to be in direct opposition of the more heavily favored German Romantic symphony, Wagnerian opera, and French impressionism. His rebellion against such musical forms is said to have had a major influence on future 20th century composers such as John Cage.
