The Magic of Satie
Don't judge this splendid disc by its silly title. Jean-Yves Thibaudet has put together an imaginatively programmed and gorgeously played Erik Satie recital that is certain to acquire reference status alongside the classicSatie recordings by Aldo Ciccolini, his one-time mentor. 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 famousGymnopédiesand intersperses them between brooding works like theGnossiennes, 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