Intermediate piece
How to play Gymnopédie No. 1 on piano
Written by Erik Satie in 1888. It is slow, sparse and quiet, with a gently swaying left hand and a simple melody over the top. It looks easy and takes real care to play well.
- Composer
- Erik Satie
- Level
- Intermediate
- Key
- D major (two sharps)
- Time signature
- 3/4
- Hands
- Both hands
What makes it tricky
- The left hand jumps. A low bass note then a chord, so look at the gap before you land.
- Playing slowly and evenly. The piece does not feel finished if you rush.
- Letting the melody sing. Keep the chords softer than the tune.
A three-step practice plan
- Play the left hand alone until the jump is smooth and silent.
- Add the melody one phrase at a time, and listen to the sound of each note.
- Play at a slow tempo and let the notes ring.