Erik Satie

Satie's piano music played on accordion? Why not? Surely the master of tweaking the early 20th century musical establishment, someone who reveled in popular forms, would have found the transposition entirely appropriate. Even better, Teodoro Anzellotti, an Italian-born accordionist who has worked in a large variety of new music contexts, has used a perfect approach to the material. Satie fans who have considered the recordings of Aldo Ciccolini to be the one plus ultra among renditions will have reason for delight here; Anzellotti's approach with regard to tempos and accent is almost identical. He's also made a fine and non-obligatory choice of material. Although the disc ends with the first "Gymnopedie" and includes all sic "Gnossienne"s, much of the remainder of the program is concentrated on lesser-known but equally beautiful compositions. The "Sports et Divertissements," "Avant-Dernieres Pensees," and "Peccadilles Importunes" are especially lovely. Anzellotti's touch on the accordion is very special; each piece is examined carefully and even tenderly. The breathing quality of the instruments serves to make the wistful, melancholy aspect of pieces like the "Gnossienne"s that much more affecting. Listeners who still harbor some sort of prejudice against the accordion as such should certainly give this disc a try. You have some of the most gorgeous music of the 20th century played by a master of his craft. It's impossible to go wrong. Very highly recommended.