Sonatine bureaucratique - piano - (HN 1075)

I love Satie and his music, and since hearing Pascal Rogé's 'recording of it (he is the guy who wrote the piano fingering for this piece, which itself is excellent), I have been desperate to play it myself.This book did not disappoint. The preface provided detailed background info on the piece and its origin, also its link to Muzio Clementi's Sonatina in C Major (op.36, no.1). There is also a picture of part of the autograph manuscript and comments on how the publication conforms to said manuscript, found in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. A translation of the Satie's narrative to the piece is provided at the back, alongside the French prose along the actual musical staves (and a direct transcript of said prose from the autograph manuscript!). Physically, the book sits very easily on the piano (ie, the pages don't try to turn themselves or close the book, as with most of today's publications), and the off-white page colouring makes the music easy and comfortable to read.The music itself is delightful. It is ideal for long-time Satie lovers, as well as pianists who simply want an entertaining, light-hearted piece to enjoy (this piece makes the pianist sound very good in terms of tone quality). The storyline consists of Satie's trademark absurd wit.The capabilities of the pianist required are about intermediate (Grade 5-ish) level.Overall, an outstanding example of an Satie + Urtext publication.I hope this helps,A Satie Fanatic