A work by Satie at the age of 37, it is a piano piece for four hands, a piano duet. Although titled "Three Pieces," it actually consists of seven. The three pieces are placed at the center, framed by four additional pieces titled "How to Begin," "Extension of the Same Thing," "Addendum," and "Retake."

This piece has a unique anecdote. At the time, Debussy advised him to write a "work with a focus on form," which led Satie to compose Trois Morceaux en forme de Poire (Three Pieces in the Shape of a Pear). However, the word "poire" (pear) also carried a hidden meaning of "fool" or "idiot" in French slang. It seems Satie responded to Debussy's advice in this manner, with an underlying ironic meaning. Unlike other works by Satie, this piece features tonality and meter, indeed appearing to be a work with a clear focus on form.

First, the opening piece, "How to Begin," is written in 4/4 time and includes a final bar line. The secondo plays an accompaniment figure, while the prima maintains a monophonic melody without variation until the end. Observing the motif in the right hand, one can see the repetition of the same three-bar motif.

The second piece, "Extension of the Same Thing," is written in 2/4 time in D minor. It employs a melancholic style where the prima follows the secondo.

Pieces I, II, and III correspond to the "Three Pieces in the Shape of a Pear."

Piece I

Piece I is a gentle movement in 2/4 time, C minor. Observing the prima, several types of motifs are repeated.

Piece II

Piece II is a lively dance in 2/4 time, C major; however, its middle section features a smooth, relaxed character before returning to the initial dance.

Piece III

Piece III is a rough movement in 4/4 time, A-flat major. It is written with a clear rhythm.

Addendum

"Addendum" is composed of a simple, thin, and largely unchanging flow, as if it were the skin covering the "flesh" of the pear (the three central pieces). The prima is monophonic.

Retake

"Retake" concludes the entire work as a relaxed and elegant dance in 3/4 time, B major, featuring a flowing melody.