48.6M views · May 7, 2012 · 3:37 · 3 HN recommenders · 4 mentions · discussed 2016–2025
A recording of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1, one of the best-known pieces of minimalist piano music by the French composer.
Why Hacker News points people here: Recommended as an accessible entry to Satie and calm ambient classical music, and mentioned as a famous influence on game soundtracks.
“perhaps putting a name to it will give you some appreciation for why his work is valued”HN comment, 2025
“If you like classical minimalism/ambient music, check out Erik Satie's work”
Satie piano piece familiar from Minecraft
No worries. If you like classical minimalism/ambient music, check out Erik Satie's work, specifically, his three Gymnopédies compositions for piano. If you've played Minecraft, you'll instantly recognize No.1[1]. [1] this video
One entry in a list of similar piano artists
Philip Glass piano works, as someone suggested are somewhat near (through more angular and less sentimental). Also: Wim Mertens: link link Max Richter: link link Yann Tiersen: link link Pascal Comelade (more childlike): link link Eric Satie: this video Yiruma: link Harold Budd (more abstract): link link Joep Beving: link Bach: link Gabriel Yared: link
“perhaps putting a name to it will give you some appreciation for why his work is valued”
Familiar Satie piece to help appreciate his work
Certainly both, but in your question, I'm suspecting your unaware of how much of this music you're familiar with it since it lives rent-free in the general zeitgeist. For example, I suspect you'd recognize Satie's work Gymnopedie no. 1[1] and perhaps putting a name to it will give you some appreciation for why his work is valued [1] this video
“Zelda Ocarina of Time opening: Gymnopédie No. 1”
Claimed inspiration for Zelda Ocarina of Time opening
The Mario theme intro may have been lifted from here: T-Square Adventures - Sister Marian link Guile's theme, same album (from the song "Travelers"): link -- Underworld theme intro likely taken from here: Friendship (ft. Lee Ritenour) - Let's Not Talk About It link -- Mario star powerup music: Piper - Summer Dream link -- Mario 3 water theme/Zelda Fairy theme: Tatsuro Yamashita - Morning Glory link -- Hammer Bros. Mario 3 theme and Dr. Mario theme seem to have taken from Lady Madonna though it is also may just be a common form: link -- Mario Galaxy theme: Barbra Streisand - Evergreen (Love Theme from, "A Star Is Born") link -- Bob-omb Battle field: Steely Dan - Kid Charlemagne (coda) link -- Zelda 1 dungeon music: Deep Purple - April link -- Zelda Ocarina of Time opening: Gymnopédie No. 1 this video link -- Zelda Ocarina of Time Gerudo Valley: Heavily lifted from an anime song that was metal instead of acoustic. Link appears to have gone dead but I think it is the one mentioned in here: link -- Zelda's Lullaby: Mort Garson - Concerto For Philodendron And Pothos (Plantasia) link -- This video goes over several of them: link
