Nicola Elias Rigato
Ceci n'est pas une Gymnopédie
Duration: 15'
Solos:
piano
Ceci n'est pas une Gymnopédie
Sample pages
Work introduction
The title refers to the famous work by René Magritte, Ceci n'est pas une pipe. In this case, instead of representing a pipe and opening a metaphysical riddle, it alludes to the border between quotation and freedom. The small collection includes five short works, for a total of 15'. The style is close to Satie's Gymnopedie and Gnossiennes, while exploring a different melodic and coloristic identity.
The technical and reading difficulty is not high, which makes this triptych very attractive to pianists in the study phase.
The character of the music is mystical and transcendent. Yet, at the same time, it is intimate and palpable, like the smell emanating from a lit pipe. Indeed, the titles of the three pieces denote three types of pipe. And although the music is mainly between pianissimo and piano, the composer urges to strongly enter into it. That is, not to leave it evanescent, but to give life and flavor to the music, thus taking a puff at Magritte's pipe.