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Late Romantic and Impressionist · gymnopedie

Gymnopédie No. 3

Erik Satie · Level 4, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

Third in the set, early into print. Gymnopédie No. 3 is a piece by Erik Satie from the Late Romantic and Impressionist era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 4, an estimate.

On this page
  • gymnopedie
  • Late Romantic and Impressionist
  • dreamy
  • melancholic
  • voicing

Also known as Trois Gymnopédies No. 3.

History

Satie dated the third Gymnopédie's autograph in Paris on 2 April 1888, naming Georges Mathias and Charles Levadé as dedicatees. It appeared as a separate print that year. The first and second Gymnopédies did not receive their separate first editions until 1895, so their numbering does not describe the order of those publications.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. Let the accompaniment set the scene

    Four bars without melody establish the alternating chord pattern. Keep the held inner chords quiet and the pulse even while leaving space for the later melodic entrance.

  2. A descending melodic line

    A long A leads into a descending phrase with small turns back upward. Keep the long note connected in character to the quarter-note motion that follows.

  3. Two layers of sustained sound

    Long melody notes overlap with inner chord voices. Bring out the melodic continuity while keeping the inner notes subordinate; the additional voice is not a new instrument.

  4. A new phrase after a rest

    A quarter rest gives the next phrase room to begin. Hear C and F lead upward, then let the following notes turn downward without rushing the shorter values.

How to practise it

Keep the accompaniment calm until the melody arrives.

  1. Practise the melody entry from the preceding silence.
  2. Practise the bass and delayed chord together at a quiet volume.
  3. Connect the stated opening gestures at a comfortable tempo, keeping their distinct releases.

How hard is it

Level 4, estimated

The early-intermediate target prioritizes stable support and a coherent singing line through the complete third component.

About this piece

Interpretive sketch of Erik Satie, an illustration and not a verified likeness
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
French piano colors
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Erik Satie

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

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Keep the accompaniment calm until the melody arrives.

Practise it in PlayPiano