Alfred Éric Leslie Satie (Honfleur, 17 May 1866 – Paris, 1 July 1925) was a French composer and pianist. Starting with his first composition in 1884, he signed his name as Erik Satie.
He referred to himself as a "phonometrograph" or "phonometrician" (meaning "someone who measures - and writes down - sounds") preferring this designation to that of "musician," after having been called "a clumsy but subtle technician" in a book on contemporary French composers published in 1911.
Nevertheless, he wrote some of the most beautiful music for piano this side of Chopin.
He referred to himself as a "phonometrograph" or "phonometrician" (meaning "someone who measures - and writes down - sounds") preferring this designation to that of "musician," after having been called "a clumsy but subtle technician" in a book on contemporary French composers published in 1911.
Nevertheless, he wrote some of the most beautiful music for piano this side of Chopin.
Gnosienne #1
Gnossienne #2
Gnossienne #3
I have always found these pieces to be some of the most difficult to play properly. They are deceptively simple, but are so subtle, you can miss the exquisite side if you play them mechanically.They require great restraint and expression, not an easy feat.
ReplyDeleteAh, Scherzo, I didn't know you were a good enough musician to play this kind of stuff. I'd love to hear ya'.
ReplyDeleteThank you and keep the arts coming.
ReplyDeleteWait a minute.... are you trying to bring culture to us savages at IBA.
ReplyDeleteHeh.
ReplyDeleteMusic soothes the savage beast.
Can't be all adrenaline all the time. We'll save that for ripping the veins out of Jihadis throats.
Then, when we're done, we can listen to some Erik Satie.
;-)