Erik SatieFrench, 1866–1925
Gymnopédie No. 1
1888
Solo piano · Paris, France
In its dayLittle noticed at first. People began to pay attention after Debussy orchestrated it in 1897.
The composerAged 21 when writing it, and born in Honfleur, France. Earned a modest living as a cabaret pianist and was often short of money; from 1898 he lived in one room in Arcueil. Left the Paris Conservatoire in 1882, then went back to study at the Schola Cantorum at 39.
The recordingRobin Alciatore (via Musopen), in the public domain. Source on Wikimedia Commons