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Jay Gabler

How did Erik Satie's Gymnopedies become the quintessential relaxation music? Of their time, they also seem to float above and beyond it.


Satie: 3 Gymnopédies - No. 1, Lent et douloureux

Satie: 3 Gymnopédies - No. 2, Lent et triste

1. Variations On A Theme By Erik Satie (1st And 2nd Movements) 2. Smiling Phases

Gymnopédies, No. 1, Erik Satie

Peaceful Piano

Tadas Mikuckis/Unsplash

How Satie's Gymnopedies became ubiquitous

Dan Wascoe is a retired Star Tribune reporter/columnist and MPR contributor. As a pianist, he has performed for the past 15 years with vocalist Baibi Vegners as Nuance/a duo. Since 2004, he also has been a volunteer player of the bells atop Minneapolis City Hall.


Dan Wascoe

Lorie Line began her musical career playing piano in Dayton's department stores 30 years ago. Today, she tours the Midwest and beyond with her own ensemble, now doing holiday concerts. But her success did not always come easy.


Lorie Line began her career playing piano in Dayton's department stores.

Lorie Line prepares for her holiday tour.

Courtesy of the artist

Lorie Line looks back on three decades in the music industry as she embarks on her holiday tour

We have curated classical music playlists on YouTube to help you feel better after the stresses of the day, including our latest collection of peaceful piano music. And don't miss Peaceful Piano, the new 24/7 stream on YourClassical.org.


Eric Muhr/Unsplash

Listen: Replenish your spirit with a playlist of peaceful piano music

Scott Simon

Chad Lawson is trying to revive interest in the piano by modernizing it for what he calls the "Spotify generation." Lawson created his latest album 'Re:Piano' armed with his instrument and an iPad full of digital effects.


All Is Truth

Josh Goleman

Chad Lawson wants to revive piano for the 'Spotify generation'

Emily Reese

In honor of Mother's Day, you'll hear from composers and performers who learned piano from their mothers; it's on this week's Learning to Listen from Classical MPR.


Learning piano at Mom's knee

CJ Begas / Courtesy Wikimedia

Learning Piano at Mom's Knee

31 Days is a bite-sized month-long trial of Classical Music from across the spectrum of this wonderful, expansive music we love at Classical MPR. Day 11, a gorgeous gem of piano from Chopin.
