Gnossienne No.1 by Satie for Ukulele

In this video Jeff performs Gnossienne No.1 by Satie for Ukulele. Gnossienne No. 1 is a hauntingly beautiful solo piano composition by French composer Erik Satie, known for his unconventional and avant-garde approach to music. Composed in the late 19th century, this piece is characterized by its enigmatic harmonies and sparse, evocative melodies.

The title “Gnossienne” is derived from the Greek word “gnosis,” meaning knowledge, reflecting Satie’s fascination with mysticism and esotericism. The music exudes a sense of introspection and contemplation, inviting listeners into a world of subtle emotions and introspective
reflection. In fact, throughout there are expression markings in the score that are quite introspective in and of themselves. For instance, in the second section Satie adds, “Très laisants” (very radiant); and in the next section, “Questionnez” (questioning). Where other musical expression markings may offer practical advice (e.g., “legato“), Satie encourages a depth of thought (du bout de la pensèe).

In this rendition, the piece is arranged for Low G Ukulele by Jeff Peterson, capturing the ethereal quality of the original composition while adding a unique timbral richness to the performance.

Get the Score

If you’d like to play the piece, you can purchase Jeff’s arrangement here.

And we have several other wonderful classical compositions Jeff has masterfully arranged for ukulele on that same page. Check out all of our ukulele publications here.

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