Deux Gymnopedies

Debussy orchestrated two of the three Gymnopedies composed by his friend Erik Satie after giving an impromptu performance of the piano originals at the home of conductor Gustave Doret, who was so taken with them that he commissioned Debussy to prepare an orchestral setting for an upcoming concert, which was given on Feb. 20, 1897. Though Satie’s piano originals are easily his most famous and beloved work now, they were virtually unknown in 1897. Debussy’s orchestration of the first and last, presented in reverse order, did much to establish the younger composer’s reputation. This newly engraved, critical edition makes these exquistite orchestral miniatures available in an affordable, easy-to-read score for the first time. The large conductor’s score and orchestral parts are now also available for sale from Serenissima Music.