Dr. Music
"Classical's Cool!" Dr. Music is a fun, friendly educational podcast that introduces listeners to great classical music. The podcast is primarily for people who have little to no knowledge of classical music, and don't know where to begin their experience. Other styles will be discussed in relation to the various topics we cover. No prior knowledge of classical music necessary! All that is necessary is a desire to learn, and have fun doing it.
Dr. Music
Dr. Music Season 2 Episode 18
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Matthew Marullo
What does the French word Gymnopédie mean? It could mean an ancient Greek dance, but only Erik Satie, the composer of three piano pieces bearing that name, knows the real answer. Being a mysterious man, it is possible he wanted the meaning to remain mysterious. Yet if the title is mysterious, the music itself is a lesson in unadorned beauty. Gymnopédie No. 1, the most well-known of the three, is the subject of this episode. We will see how Satie rejects the complexity of large scale traditional forms in favor of basking in music's elemental nature -- the simplicity of melody. In addition, we will take a look at Debussy's take on the piece in his very unique orchestral arrangement.