Songs for Insomniacs 24: Erik Satie, “Gnossienne 1”

You’ve probably heard tonight’s song but may not know it. By my rough count, Erik Satie’s mysterious and haunting first Gnossienne for piano (1893) has been used in over 40 movies, short films, and TV shows (from “The Simpsons” to “The Queen’s Gambit”). It has become as popular a theme as his first Gymnopedie.

Aldo Ciccolini’s interpretation is a bit darker than most, which makes it just right for an insomniac’s playlist.