Hello:

I was hoping to get some input from the classical music fans around here for any recommendations of Erik Satie piano compositions on CD. I've never listened to much classical music before, so I'm not really sure where to begin. Any insight concerning particular recordings or classical labels that put out good sounding recordings would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
William

William, I must say that Satie is an unusual place to begin. He was notably eccentric(even for a Frenchman), and for example, when critics complained that his music "lacked shape", he titled his next composition "Trois Morceaux en forme de poire"(Three Pieces in the shape of a pear; actually there were five). If you've heard some Satie that you liked, I'll specifically suggest this collection by Anne Queffelec, joined on some four-hand pieces by Catherine Collard.

Now, if you give more info on what you're looking for, I'll be happy to suggest a small starter collection of piano and/or orchestral music. I've made quite a few suggestions in the last couple years of items that I consider essential in the "Stunning Recordings" thread in the Stereo forum.

John, it doesn't surprise me that Satie is an unusual place to begin. I became interested in his music after hearing "Gnossiennes No.1 - Lent" on an episode of NPR's "All Songs Considered." This is the one CD of Satie's I already own. I've never listened to any classical/piano/orchestral music before, but something about Satie really caught my ear.

Any suggestions for a small starter collection for piano and orchestral music would be appreciated. My knowledge of classical music in general is very thin, so nothing you could recommend would be too obvious for me. I'll be sure to check your recommendations in the "Stunning Recordings" thread too.

Thanks.

Okay, here's a collection of favorites on sale at almost give-away prices: Holst, The Planets ; Rachmaninoff collection(3 disc bargain) ; Brahms, Hungarian Dances ; Respighi, Roman Festivals ; Dvorak, Cello Concerto . Totals about $36, with free shipping.

Ahhhhh Holst and the Rach, good stuff...