Three Gymnopedies. (Woodwinds).

Three Gymnopedies, by Eric Satie. Dr. Downing Music/Theodore Presser Co. (588 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406), 2000. 3 pp. flute, 7 pp. piano; $5.50.

Eric Satie's Three Gymnopedies is a well-known set of short, lyrical works. Sandra Downing and Peter J. Moore have published a new arrangement of these pieces for flute and piano available in the United States from Theodore Presser. Their approach aims to stay true to the composer's intent. The flute carries the melodic lines throughout with the piano providing the simple accompaniment. There are no elaborations on the original solo piano version other than an optional 8va for the flute in the final phrase of the third Gymnopedie, which is doubled by the piano an octave lower (the only melodic line given to the piano in this arrangement).

This is an inexpensive edition, but buyers will find a few problems. Dynamics are marked for the flute, but do not appear under the piano score. The third beat of measure 29 in the flute part has an A when the correct note is B and the low E in measure 31 of the piano part should be an F-sharp. In several places the pianist will need to divide the chord given for the right hand, and there are some awkwardly placed quarter rests in the left-hand line of the piano score. These could easily have been more clearly notated. Aside from these difficulties, the score is easy to read and includes measure numbers at the head of each system.

These works are well worth having. It's unfortunate that this edition didn't receive a better proofreading. Still, the arrangement itself is clean, and the price is nice. Reviewed by Roger B. Martin, Cookeville, Tennessee.