Dive into the enchanting world of Erik Satie with "Lean Back Classical," a captivating collection of classical masterpieces set to release on September 13, 2025, under the esteemed Naxos Special Projects label. This album, spanning a rich 1 hour and 37 minutes, is a testament to Satie's unique ability to blend irony, curiosity, and profound simplicity into his compositions.
"Lean Back Classical" is not just a compilation but a journey through Satie's eclectic repertoire, featuring iconic works such as "Gymnopédies" and "Gnossiennes," alongside lesser-known gems like "Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2" and "Keyboard Sonata in A Major, Kk. 499." The album also includes arrangements by notable artists like P. Breiner and M. Riesman & N. Muhly, adding a fresh perspective to Satie's timeless pieces.
Satie, known for his experimental and improvisational style, has influenced countless musicians, from classical composers like Johannes Brahms and Franz Liszt to avant-garde artists like John Cage. His music, often described as "furniture music," is both intriguing and accessible, making it a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
"Lean Back Classical" is a celebration of Satie's quirky genius, offering a blend of introspective melodies and playful compositions that showcase his unparalleled ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. Whether you're a seasoned classical music fan or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album promises a delightful and enriching listening experience.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
No. 2, PasserErik Satie, Nicolas Horvath
Notturno, Op. 38Blagoje Bersa, Goran Filipec
II. Largo (Arr. P. Breiner for Piano & Orchestra)Johann Sebastian Bach, Peter Breiner, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Romance in F Major, Op. 36, R. 195 (Version for Cello & Orchestra)Camille Saint-Saëns, Gabriel Schwabe, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Marc Soustrot
III. Lento assaiPablo de Sarasate, Tianwa Yang, Navarre Symphony Orchestra, Ernest Martinez Izquierdo
II. You Saved My SoulBaal HaSulam, Mikael Ayrapetyan
Au Chateau et dans le Parc: III. Toto deguise en Suisse d'egliseDéodat de Séverac, Jordi Masó
Serenade-BarcarolleBlagoje Bersa, Goran Filipec
No. 1, Nicht schnellRobert Schumann, Gabriel Schwabe, Nicholas Rimmer
Little Evening MusicPeter Breiner
III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Gabriel Schwabe, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Ward
No. 2, Un poco più mossoFranz Liszt, Goran Filipec
No. 2, Die Mainacht (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Johannes Brahms, Gabriel Schwabe, Nicholas Rimmer
Romance in C Major, Op. 48Camille Saint-Saëns, Tianwa Yang, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Marc Soustrot
Song Without WordsMakar Ekmalian, Mikael Ayrapetyan
Keyboard Sonata in A Major, Kk. 499Domenico Scarlatti, Goran Filipec
No. 3, Tempo de Vals lento (Arr. P. Breiner for guitar and orchestra)Enrique Granados, Norbert Kraft, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Peter Breiner
No. 5, Anthémise du RoussillonGermaine Tailleferre, Nicolas Horvath
Nocturne No. 2 in E-Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2Frédéric Chopin, Tianwa Yang, Markus Hadulla
The Hours: Choosing Life (Arr. M. Riesman & N. Muhly for Piano)Philip Glass, Nicolas Horvath
No. 2, Muy dulceXavier Montsalvatge, Jordi Masó
Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 191: I. Allegro (Arr. P. Breiner for Piano)Antonín Dvořák, Peter Breiner
No. 7, Prelude in D-Sharp MinorSarkis Barkhudarian, Mikael Ayrapetyan
II. AdagioJohannes Brahms, Tianwa Yang, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Antoni Wit
No. 8, The First SnowMikael Ayrapetyan
Ilargitan, emazte-gayanerontz (Singing in the Moonlight)Aita Donostia, Jordi Masó
II. Adagio non troppoHélène de Montgeroult, Nicolas Horvath