Españaña

History

Españaña closes Satie's three Croquis et agaceries d'un gros bonhomme en bois. He calls it a 'sort of waltz' and scatters references to Seville and Carmen across the score, making the dance an exercise in theatrical wit.

Sources

• mutopiaproject.org/piece-info.cgi
• mutopiaproject.org/Espanana-a4.pdf
• imslp.org

What to listen for

1. 1

   Lower pairs establish the opening

   The file begins with lower two-note sounds, wider groups and a repeated low note while the other sounding track has not entered. Hear the pattern as the opening itself.

2. 2

   A new register changes the texture

   The later track enters with a low single note, then wider multi-note sounds and quick upper replies. Notice how the register and density change without losing the earlier pulse.

How to practise it

1. Play the opening lower pattern alone, keeping the two-note sounds, wider groups and repeated low note in their existing sequence. Repeat the whole segment without adding an extra attack at the changes in density.
2. Practise the later entering layer from its low single note through the wider sounds and quick replies. Add the continuing layer and check that the new entry keeps its original spacing.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

French piano colors

Licence

Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0

Source

mutopiaproject.org

Credit

“Españaña” by E. Satie (1866 to 1925). Mutopia edition maintained by Knute Snortum. Source: https://www.mutopiaproject.org/cgibin/piece-info.cgi?id=2023. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/. Changes to the supplied file: none; any later conversion or edit must be disclosed separately.

More by Erik Satie

1. 1Gymnopédie No. 3Level 4, estimatedWith Maestro
2. 2Gymnopédie No. 1Level 4, estimatedOpen to everyone
3. 3Gnossienne No. 2Level 5, estimatedWith Maestro