Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No.1
Why Hacker News recommends it
Recommended as an accessible entry to Satie and calm ambient classical music, and mentioned as a famous influence on game soundtracks.
What it is
A recording of Erik Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1, one of the best-known pieces of minimalist piano music by the French composer.
Recommended by 3 HN commenters across 3 different months, 2016 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends jean_claude · 2016-06 · on “Ask HN: Productivity”
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]
Recommends coldtea · 2017-04 · on “Automated snare drum made to the order of Aphex Twin (2014)”
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]
Recommends pcthrowaway · 2025-06 · on “Unheard works by Erik Satie to premiere 100 years after his death”
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]
Cites cma · 2023-04 · on “Super Mario Bros. theme part of the 2023 Library of Congress registry”
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