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Poudre d'or Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Erik Satie's Poudre d'or: Composition and Context

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Erik Satie's Poudre d'or: Composition and Context Study Guide

Musical Structure and Characteristics of Poudre d'or

The solo piano version of "Poudre d'or" typically has a performance duration of approximately 15 minutes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The solo piano version of "Poudre d'or" typically has a performance duration of approximately 5 minutes, not 15 minutes.

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The piano version of "Poudre d'or" features a complex structure with multiple movements and fugal sections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The piano version of "Poudre d'or" follows a relatively simple structure of introduction, waltz, trio, and coda, and does not contain fugal sections or multiple distinct movements in the conventional sense.

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The waltz section of "Poudre d'or" is primarily in D major, while the trio section shifts to G major.

Answer: False

Explanation: The waltz section of "Poudre d'or" utilizes strains in D major and G major, while the trio section employs strains in A major and E major.

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The conclusion of "Poudre d'or" involves the return of the trio theme followed by a brief, simple ending.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conclusion of "Poudre d'or" features a return of the waltz theme, followed by a distinctive, humorously parodic coda that signals the end of the dance, rather than a simple ending.

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"Poudre d'or" is characterized by complex, dissonant harmonies and intricate melodic lines.

Answer: False

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" is characterized by simple, lyrical melodies and conventional harmonies, often accompanied by a standard 'oom-pah-pah' pattern, rather than complex or dissonant elements.

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Erik Satie maintained the conventional nature of "Poudre d'or" without any stylistic modifications during the publication process.

Answer: False

Explanation: Erik Satie subtly modified the harmonic language of "Poudre d'or" during the proof stage, incorporating chromatic quirks to ensure the work was distinctively his own, despite its conventional structure.

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What is "Poudre d'or," and who is credited with its composition?

Answer: A waltz for solo piano composed by Erik Satie in 1901.

Explanation: "Poudre d'or," translating to "Gold Dust," is a waltz composed for solo piano in 1901 by Erik Satie, recognized as an early example of his lighter café-concert idiom.

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What is the approximate performance duration of the solo piano version of "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: Approximately 5 minutes

Explanation: The solo piano version of "Poudre d'or" typically has a performance duration of approximately 5 minutes.

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Describe the basic musical structure of the piano version of "Poudre d'or."

Answer: An introduction, waltz section, trio section, and coda.

Explanation: The piano version of "Poudre d'or" follows a fundamental structure comprising an introduction, a waltz section, a trio section, and a concluding coda.

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In which musical keys are the main sections of "Poudre d'or" written?

Answer: Waltz in D major and G major, Trio in A major and E major.

Explanation: The waltz section of "Poudre d'or" is written in D major and G major, while the trio section utilizes A major and E major.

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What is characteristic of the melodies and accompaniment in "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: Simple, lyrical melodies over a conventional 'oom-pah-pah' accompaniment.

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" features simple, lyrical melodies presented over a conventional 'oom-pah-pah' accompaniment pattern, contributing to its warm and accessible sound.

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How did Satie subtly alter "Poudre d'or" to make it distinctively his own?

Answer: By incorporating chromatic quirks into the harmony at the proof stage.

Explanation: Satie incorporated subtle chromatic quirks into the harmony during the proof stage of publication, thereby ensuring the work bore his distinctive stylistic signature.

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What is the described function of the coda in "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: To humorously signal the end of the dance for the participants.

Explanation: The coda in "Poudre d'or" serves a humorous function, signaling the end of the dance through repetitive cadential patterns that parody grand finales.

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What is the primary genre of the musical piece "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: A Waltz

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" is primarily classified as a waltz.

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What aspect of "Poudre d'or" did Satie refine during the proof stage of publication?

Answer: The harmonic language, adding subtle chromaticism.

Explanation: During the proof stage of publication, Satie refined the harmonic language of "Poudre d'or" by incorporating subtle chromaticisms.

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Satie's Creative Milieu and Stylistic Development

Financial hardship in March 1899 compelled Erik Satie to compose music of "extreme lowliness," primarily accompanying tasks, which he perceived as a waste of his creative time.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that financial pressures in March 1899 led Satie to undertake "hackwork" of "extreme lowliness," such as accompaniment tasks, which he felt detracted from his more valued creative endeavors.

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To ensure Erik Satie could fulfill his composing duties for entertainers, his associates reportedly confined him to a room during the evenings.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text mentions that Satie's friends would sometimes lock him in a room during the evenings to ensure he remained sober and focused on his work accompanying entertainers.

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Erik Satie considered composing large symphonic works to be more appealing than the popular music he was commissioned to write during his financially constrained period.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source suggests that Satie found composing popular music, such as waltzes, to be more palatable than his initial "hackwork," rather than preferring large symphonic works over these commissions.

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Satie's notebooks from the late 1890s document numerous waltz melodies, with some subsequently published as notable Belle Époque pieces, such as "Je te veux."

Answer: True

Explanation: Satie's notebooks from the late 1890s contain many waltz melodies, and some were indeed published as famous Belle Époque pieces, including "Je te veux" (1902) and "Tendrement" (1903).

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"Poudre d'or" was specifically composed for the renowned concert hall, the Salle Pleyel, in Paris.

Answer: False

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" was composed for the Bal Bullier, a popular dance hall in Paris, not the Salle Pleyel.

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The Bal Bullier was a short-lived venue, operating for only a decade in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bal Bullier was a long-standing venue, operating for nearly a century from 1847 to 1940, not merely a decade.

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Composing for the Bal Bullier represented Erik Satie's move towards the artistic circles of Montmartre, his traditional base.

Answer: False

Explanation: Composing for the Bal Bullier signified Satie's engagement with the cultural scene of the Left Bank, particularly Montparnasse, rather than a return to his traditional base in Montmartre.

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Stéphanie Nantas, the dedicatee of "Poudre d'or," was a singer known for performing Satie's popular songs.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stéphanie Nantas, the dedicatee of "Poudre d'or," was a model and friend of Satie, not primarily a singer known for performing his songs.

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The original title considered for "Poudre d'or" was "Pluie d'argent" (Silver Rain), inspired by a piece by Claude Debussy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The original title considered for "Poudre d'or" was "Pluie d'or" (Gold Rain), potentially inspired by the waltzes of Émile Waldteufel, not "Pluie d'argent" or Claude Debussy.

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Erik Satie never reused the concept of a humorous, extended coda in his later compositions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Erik Satie did reuse the concept of a humorous, extended coda, notably in his 1913 piano suite, "Embryons desséchés."

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Composing dance music such as "Poudre d'or" contributed to Satie's development of orchestral technique, demonstrated by his assured and imaginative "brasserie" scoring.

Answer: True

Explanation: The practice of composing and arranging dance music provided Satie with practical experience, refining his orchestral technique and resulting in confident, imaginative scoring, as seen in works like "La Diva de l'Empire."

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Around 1901, Satie successfully completed an experimental tone poem for large orchestra titled "Le Bœuf Angora."

Answer: False

Explanation: Around 1901, Satie abandoned his experimental tone poem for large orchestra, "Le Bœuf Angora" (The Angora Ox), considering it a failure, rather than successfully completing it.

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After 1919, Erik Satie preferred scoring his larger works for very large orchestras, typically exceeding 50 players, to achieve a powerful sound.

Answer: False

Explanation: After 1919, Satie developed a preference for scoring larger works for chamber ensembles of 25-30 players, valuing a crisp, clear sound over large orchestral forces.

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The image captioned 'The Bal Bullier in Paris' depicts the venue as it appeared during its operational years from 1847 to 1940.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image captioned 'The Bal Bullier in Paris' depicts the venue as it appeared during its operational years, which spanned from 1847 to 1940.

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"Poudre d'or" is significant as Erik Satie's first major foray into experimental, avant-garde composition.

Answer: False

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" is significant as the first notable example of Erik Satie's light café-concert idiom, rather than his first foray into experimental or avant-garde composition.

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Erik Satie dedicated "La Diva de l'Empire" to Paulette Darty, a singer who helped popularize his music.

Answer: True

Explanation: Erik Satie dedicated "La Diva de l'Empire" (1904) to Paulette Darty, a singer who significantly promoted his popular music, leading to a lasting friendship.

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The term "valse chantée" refers to a type of waltz characterized by complex polyrhythms and dissonant harmonies.

Answer: False

Explanation: "Valse chantée" translates to "sung waltz" and typically refers to a waltz featuring lyrical melodies, not complex polyrhythms or dissonant harmonies.

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Satie's studies at the Schola Cantorum occurred before his work composing for popular venues like the Bal Bullier.

Answer: False

Explanation: Satie studied at the Schola Cantorum later in his career; his experiences composing for popular venues influenced his mature orchestral style even after his formal training.

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How did Satie's associates ensure he could fulfill his duties composing for entertainers?

Answer: They sometimes locked him in a room to keep him sober enough to perform.

Explanation: To ensure Satie remained focused on his work accompanying entertainers, his friends reportedly confined him to a room during the evenings.

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Which musical forms did Satie find more appealing than his initial "hackwork" as an accompanist?

Answer: Waltzes and valses chantées

Explanation: Satie found composing waltzes and valses chantées to be more palatable than the lowliness work he undertook as an accompanist during his financially difficult periods.

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For which famous Parisian dance hall was "Poudre d'or" composed?

Answer: Bal Bullier

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" was composed for the Bal Bullier, a prominent dance hall located in the Latin Quarter of Paris.

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How did composing for the Bal Bullier signify a change for Erik Satie?

Answer: It represented his engagement with the Left Bank's cultural scene, moving beyond Montmartre.

Explanation: Composing for the Bal Bullier marked Satie's engagement with the cultural milieu of the Left Bank, particularly Montparnasse, signifying a move beyond his traditional artistic associations in Montmartre.

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Who was Stéphanie Nantas, and what was her relationship to "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: A model and friend of Satie, who received the dedication of the piece.

Explanation: Stéphanie Nantas was a friend and model associated with Montmartre, to whom Erik Satie dedicated the composition "Poudre d'or."

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What was the original title considered for "Poudre d'or," and what potentially inspired it?

Answer: "Pluie d'or," potentially inspired by Émile Waldteufel.

Explanation: The original title considered for "Poudre d'or" was "Pluie d'or" (Gold Rain), a title possibly inspired by the popular waltzes of Émile Waldteufel.

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Erik Satie reused the humorous 'never-ending coda' concept in which later work?

Answer: Embryons desséchés

Explanation: Erik Satie employed the concept of a humorous, extended coda again in his 1913 piano suite, "Embryons desséchés."

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How did composing dance music influence Satie's orchestral technique?

Answer: It refined his skills with familiar instrumental groupings and demonstrated assurance.

Explanation: Composing dance music provided Satie with practical experience, refining his skills with familiar instrumental groupings and demonstrating assurance and imagination in his orchestral scoring.

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What experimental orchestral work did Satie abandon around 1901, considering it a failure?

Answer: Le Bœuf Angora

Explanation: Around 1901, Satie abandoned his experimental tone poem for large orchestra, "Le Bœuf Angora," deeming it a failure.

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After 1919, what preference did Satie develop for scoring his larger works?

Answer: Scoring for chamber ensembles of 25-30 players for a clear sound.

Explanation: Following 1919, Satie favored scoring larger works for chamber ensembles of 25-30 players, valuing the clarity and precision of sound this approach offered.

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"Poudre d'or" is considered significant in Satie's output primarily as:

Answer: The first notable piece in his light café-concert idiom.

Explanation: "Poudre d'or" is recognized as the first significant example of Erik Satie's light café-concert idiom, marking a departure from his more experimental works.

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Which of the following statements about the "valse chantée" is true?

Answer: It translates to "sung waltz" and often features lyrical melodies.

Explanation: "Valse chantée" translates to "sung waltz" and is characterized by lyrical melodies, often associated with the popular dance music of the Belle Époque.

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What is the primary reason cited for Satie's composition of popular music like waltzes around 1899?

Answer: Financial necessity due to poverty.

Explanation: Financial necessity arising from poverty was the primary reason cited for Satie's composition of popular music, such as waltzes, around 1899.

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How did Satie's "brasserie" scoring, influenced by composing dance music, affect his later orchestral style?

Answer: It demonstrated assurance and imagination in his use of instruments.

Explanation: Satie's "brasserie" scoring, developed through composing dance music, demonstrated assurance and imagination in his instrumental usage, influencing his subsequent orchestral style.

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What is suggested about the relationship between Satie's formal musical training (Schola Cantorum) and his popular music compositions?

Answer: His experiences in popular venues influenced his mature orchestral style even after formal training.

Explanation: Satie's experiences composing for popular venues influenced his mature orchestral style, even subsequent to his formal training at the Schola Cantorum.

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Orchestral and Piano Versions: A Comparative Analysis

"Poudre d'or," translated as "Gold Dust," was composed by Erik Satie in 1901, existing as a complex orchestral piece.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source material indicates that "Poudre d'or" was composed by Erik Satie in 1901, but it was originally conceived as a waltz for solo piano; the orchestral version is known to be fragmentary, not a fully realized complex orchestral piece.

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Erik Satie created a complete and fully preserved orchestral arrangement of "Poudre d'or" concurrent with the solo piano version.

Answer: False

Explanation: The orchestral arrangement of "Poudre d'or" survives only in a fragmentary state and cannot be fully reconstructed, unlike the complete solo piano version.

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It is believed that the piano version of "Poudre d'or" was composed first, followed by a separate orchestral arrangement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Manuscript evidence suggests that the orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" was likely composed prior to the piano version, although they are considered distinct works.

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The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" is structured as a suite with six melodic strains, sharing only the main waltz theme with the piano version.

Answer: True

Explanation: The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" is indeed structured as a suite comprising six melodic strains, and it shares only the primary waltz theme with the four-strain piano version.

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The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" exists in a complete, performable state, allowing for full reconstruction.

Answer: False

Explanation: The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" survives only in sparse sketches and fragmentary material, insufficient for a complete performance reconstruction.

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Satie's sketches for "Poudre d'or" included a specific page detailing the instrumental forces available at the Bal Bullier.

Answer: True

Explanation: Satie's sketches for "Poudre d'or" contain a page marked "Bullier" that lists the instrumental forces available at the Bal Bullier venue.

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The orchestration for "Poudre d'or" included instruments like saxophone, harp, and celeste.

Answer: False

Explanation: The documented orchestration for "Poudre d'or" included instruments like clarinets, horns, trombones, and percussion, but not saxophone, harp, or celeste.

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Which statement accurately describes the orchestral version of "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: It exists only as a fragmentary arrangement and cannot be fully reconstructed.

Explanation: The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" survives only in sparse sketches and is considered fragmentary, making a complete performance reconstruction infeasible.

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What is suggested about the composition order of the orchestral and piano versions of "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: The orchestral version was likely composed first, though they are distinct works.

Explanation: Manuscript evidence suggests that the orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" was likely composed prior to the piano version, and they are considered distinct compositions.

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How does the orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" differ structurally from the piano version?

Answer: It is a suite with six strains, sharing only the main theme with the piano version.

Explanation: The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" is structured as a suite comprising six melodic strains, sharing only the primary waltz theme with the four-strain piano version.

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What is the current state of the orchestral version of "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: Exists in sparse sketches, insufficient for a complete performance reconstruction.

Explanation: The orchestral version of "Poudre d'or" survives in sparse sketches, which are insufficient for a complete performance reconstruction.

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Satie's sketches for "Poudre d'or" contained a page listing what specific information related to the Bal Bullier?

Answer: The instrumental forces available at the venue.

Explanation: Satie's sketches for "Poudre d'or" include a page detailing the instrumental forces that were available at the Bal Bullier venue.

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Which of the following instruments was NOT listed in Satie's orchestration for "Poudre d'or"?

Answer: Saxophone

Explanation: The documented orchestration for "Poudre d'or" included clarinets, French horns, and trombones, but not the saxophone.

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Publication, Reception, and Scholarly Recognition

Erik Satie rarely dedicated his musical works during the period of 1894-1911, making the dedication of "Poudre d'or" particularly noteworthy.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is noted that Satie dedicated works on only two occasions between 1894 and 1911, making the dedication of "Poudre d'or" significant during this period often referred to as his "wilderness years."

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The piano score of "Poudre d'or" was officially registered with SACEM and published by Baudoux in 1902.

Answer: True

Explanation: The piano score of "Poudre d'or" was registered with SACEM on March 11, 1902, and subsequently published by Baudoux in the same year.

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The inclusion of "Poudre d'or" in the Erik Satie Navbox suggests it is considered a minor or insignificant work in his catalog.

Answer: False

Explanation: The inclusion of "Poudre d'or" in the piano music section of the Erik Satie Navbox indicates it is recognized as a significant composition within his overall body of work.

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Recordings of "Poudre d'or" exist, with the earliest mentioned dating back to 1967.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material lists numerous recordings of "Poudre d'or," with the earliest cited being Jean-Joël Barbier's recording from 1967.

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The Authority Control section indicates that "Poudre d'or" is not recognized in major international music databases.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Authority Control section links "Poudre d'or" to international databases such as VIAF and MusicBrainz, indicating its recognition within major musicological resources.

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When was the piano score of "Poudre d'or" officially registered and published?

Answer: Registered 1902, Published 1902

Explanation: The piano score of "Poudre d'or" was registered with SACEM in March 1902 and published by Baudoux in the same year.

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What does the inclusion of "Poudre d'or" in the Erik Satie Navbox suggest?

Answer: It is considered a significant composition within his piano works.

Explanation: The placement of "Poudre d'or" within the piano music section of the Erik Satie Navbox indicates its recognition as a significant composition in his oeuvre.

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The Authority Control section linking "Poudre d'or" to databases like VIAF and MusicBrainz indicates:

Answer: It is a work of significant academic interest and cataloging.

Explanation: The linkage of "Poudre d'or" to major international databases via Authority Control signifies its status as a work of considerable academic interest and cataloging.

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Which of the following is true regarding the dedication of musical works by Satie between 1894 and 1911?

Answer: He dedicated "Poudre d'or" and one other work during this time.

Explanation: Between 1894 and 1911, Satie dedicated musical works on only two occasions: "Poudre d'or" and "La Diva de l'Empire."

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Artistic and Cultural Intersections

The article mentions that the portrait of Erik Satie shown was painted by Pablo Picasso.

Answer: False

Explanation: The article includes an image identified as a portrait of Erik Satie, but it does not specify that Pablo Picasso was the artist of that particular image.

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The painting related to Stéphanie Nantas, a friend of Satie, was created by Erik Satie himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The painting depicting Stéphanie Nantas, a friend and dedicatee of Satie, was created by Santiago Rusiñol, not by Satie himself.

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The painting by Félix Vallotton featured in the article is titled "Le Sacre du Printemps" and dates from 1913.

Answer: False

Explanation: The painting by Félix Vallotton featured in the article is titled "La Valse" and was created in 1893, not "Le Sacre du Printemps" from 1913.

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The article includes an image of Erik Satie, but who is identified as the artist of that specific portrait?

Answer: The artist is not mentioned in the provided text.

Explanation: While the article features an image identified as a portrait of Erik Satie, the specific artist of that particular portrait is not mentioned within the provided text.

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The painting "La Valse" featured in the article was created by which artist?

Answer: Félix Vallotton

Explanation: The painting titled "La Valse," featured in the article, was created by Félix Vallotton.

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