Search - Erik Satie, Reinbert DeLeeuw, Reinbert de Leeuw :: Erik Satie: Gnossiennes; Gymnopédies; Ogives; Trois Sarabandes; Petite ouverture à danser

Spiritual Satie

Mr. F. E. Perry | UK | 06/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a spectator watching the judging of a musical contest we sometimes notice that one of the performers quite simply possesses that `inner music.' All of the contestants may possess very good technical ability, may present themselves well, and may also construct a very good programme. Ye that one stands out from the other performers by an innate musicality that distinguishes them from among their peers. This is the case here with Reinbert de Leeuw. He possesses that extra something, which transforms the notes from off of the page into living music. His elasticity of timing and phrasing seems to suggest that he has carefully weighed and considered every note and its significance within the total piece alongside of its unique contribution towards this larger picture. It is as if he's lived with this music for so many years that it has become an integral part of his psyche. He quite simply is the music. Like a wonderful dance between the three, he brings so much to the music and yet allows Satie's music to breathe through him also. Yet more than this, he has fused with the spirit of this music. Nonetheless, he seems to have found the right balance, for he is not subservient to the spirit of the music neither is he too dominating in his own approach but rather has released something that was inherent in the individual music right from the start. Such a tremendous sensitivity towards interpreting what Satie intended really brings this music alive. It breathes and in that breathing communicates so much. It is also extremely relaxing and nurturing. A fantastic CD to put on when feeling stressed and looking to chill out to beautiful music. There is a very real sense of this music being truly beautiful; altogether approaching something of a mystical experience - for those able to so resonate. I am forced to say that it offers a transcendent approach to Satie's wonderful music. Previously, I'd heard Satie's music and found it `interesting,' but very cold, distant and cerebral. However, with de Leeuw I entered into the life of Satie and any sense of empty, abstract noises was left behind and the landscape of the music of life opened up before me. The space between the notes, the piano, and me - the listener - melted into a rare intimacy such as I would expect from Mompou playing Mompou or De Hartmann playing his Gurdjieff piano music. I can't recommend de Leeuw's playing of Satie too much. I'd say that every house should have a copy of this one!"

The ghost of Satie

Robert Dyer | Beverly Hills | 12/13/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some credit Satie with the invention of Ambient music. After hearig this recording one can hear Saties' true intent. Everyone else rushes through his music as if they just don't get it. Reinbert de Leeuw lets the notes breath into little droplets of emptiness. I have been looking for this C.D for years Thanx Amazon."

Satie the way it should be.

Mr. F. E. Perry | 11/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The perfect album to hear after many a hard day. Reinbert de Leeuw plays these pieces at extremely slow tempi, but it seems as if this is the way they should be heard. Very relaxing, meditative, soothing, hypnotic. I cannot have my Satie any other way. This is a great album."