The Minimalism of Erik Satie, hatOLOGY *****

This is VAO leader/conductor/ arranger Martin Rüegg's long- unavailable classic "reflections" on Satie's piano pieces Aubade, Méditation, Sévère Réprimande, Idylleand Gnossiennes 1 and 2(No 3 here is a straight arrangement), creating new orchestral works from them for the VAO and soloists.

Aligning these and his soloists' contributions with Satie's original satirical, political or creative intent, Rüegg drew an amazing range of colour and counterpoint from the 10-piece unit, yet retained the clarity and focus of a small group. Apart from one original composition, he ventured further by allowing three members of the VAO – Roman Schwaller (tenor), Lauren Newton (voice) and, most memorably, Wolfgang Puschnig (bass clarinet) – to create, freely, each in a duo setting with vibes, their own responses to Satie's Vexations.

The results are unique and memorable.

See hathut.com