Satie’s double parody
What is this collage of almost recognizable snippets and objets trouvés — like some Marcel Duchamp of the piano? It is Satie, of course, in this case poking fun at Chopin and Debussy. If we’re looking for a musical expression that came close to Dada, Satie is the most prominent name that comes to mind — although this piece actually predates Dada by a few years. But the spirit is unmistakable. This short piece is in fact a double parody. I’m sure you’ll recognize the reference to Chopin’s funeral march right away. Somewhat more subtle is the parody of his friend, and would be rival, Debussy. Here is a version of the unpronounceable “Edriophthalma” (you’ll just have to look it up).