The album embarks on a captivating journey through the lesser-known works of Erik Satie, framed by the theme of the Gymnopédie, a dance invented by the composer, possibly with Greek origins. The first segment of the musical exploration features the renowned "3 Gymnopédies," compositions steeped in minimalism and contemplative atmosphere, followed by the evocative "Allegro (Unedited Version)," presented here in an original version containing a bar that Satie later removed. This piece, inspired by the popular motif from Frédéric Bérat's song "Ma Normandie" (1836), adds a fascinating historical element to Satie's creative landscape.
The journey continues through 2 "Quartets" (Unfinished) and "Chanson hongroise in the completion by Alessandro Simonetto, providing an intriguing perspective on Satie's incomplete compositions.
Midway through the expedition, Alessandro Simonetto's extraordinary creativity comes to the forefront with his unique interpretation of an original Gymnopédie, interweaving with the "Panthée" theme in "24 Variations on leitmotiv du 'Panthée'." This composition artfully blends Satie's famous theme with the "Panthée" motif, a piece left by the composer after his death, creating a distinctive dialogue between past and present.
The journey concludes with Simonetto's "3 Gymnopédies dramatiques," original works inspired by Satie, where the dance's content takes on a darker, mysterious, and almost satanic atmosphere—impressions not unfamiliar to the French composer himself. These new interpretations transform the Gymnopédie into a more intense and evocative sonic experience, offering a contemporary tribute to the creative genius of Erik Satie.