The Strange Mr. Satie: Composer of the Absurd

Strange Mr. Satie: Composer of the Absurd

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45850 KB
Print length	:	48 pages

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Erik Alfred Leslie Satie (17 May 1866 – 1 July 1925) was a French composer and pianist. A unique and influential figure in the history of Western classical music, Satie is known for his eccentric personality, his innovative musical style, and his profound influence on subsequent generations of composers.

Satie's music is often characterized by its simplicity, repetition, and lack of traditional development. He is considered one of the pioneers of minimalism, and his work has been influential in the development of electronic music, ambient music, and other experimental genres.

Beyond his music, Satie was also known for his eccentric personality and his unconventional lifestyle. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he often lived in poverty. He was also a collector of umbrellas and other unusual objects, and he had a pet cat named PouPou.

Satie's life and work have been the subject of much speculation and debate. Some have argued that he was mentally ill, while others have seen him as a visionary artist who was ahead of his time.

Early Life and Education

Erik Satie was born in Honfleur, France, on May 17, 1866. His father was a ship's captain, and his mother was a pianist. Satie began studying piano at an early age, and he showed a talent for music from an early age.

In 1879, Satie entered the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied piano and composition. However, he was expelled from the Conservatoire in 1885 after failing to meet the institution's expectations.

Career

After leaving the Conservatoire, Satie began working as a pianist in cabarets and other low-brow establishments. He also began composing his own music, which was often met with incomprehension and ridicule.

In 1891, Satie met the poet and playwright Alfred Jarry. Jarry was a major influence on Satie's work, and the two men collaborated on several projects together.

In 1893, Satie composed one of his most famous works, the "Gymnopédies." The "Gymnopédies" are three pieces for piano that are characterized by their simple melodies, repetitive rhythms, and unusual harmonies.

In 1896, Satie composed another of his most famous works, the "Gnossiennes." The "Gnossiennes" are six pieces for piano that are characterized by their dreamy melodies and exotic harmonies.

In the early 1900s, Satie began to experiment with new musical forms. He composed several "furniture music" pieces, which were intended to be played in the background while people were talking or ng other activities.

Satie also composed several "sports et divertissements" pieces, which were intended to be used for physical activities such as dancing and sports.

Personal Life

Satie was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he often lived in poverty. He was also a collector of umbrellas and other unusual objects, and he had a pet cat named PouPou.

Satie was a private person, and he rarely spoke about his personal life. However, it is known that he had several relationships with women. He was also a close friend of several artists and writers, including Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Jean Cocteau.

Death

Satie died in Paris on July 1, 1925, at the age of 59. He died from cirrhosis of the liver, which was caused by his heavy drinking.

Satie is buried in the Cimetière d'Arcueil in Paris. His grave is marked by a simple tombstone that bears the inscription "Erik Satie, musician."

Legacy

Erik Satie is one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. His music is characterized by its simplicity, repetition, and lack of traditional development. He is considered one of the pioneers of minimalism, and his work has been influential in the development of electronic music, ambient music, and other experimental genres.

Satie was also a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a heavy smoker and drinker, and he often lived in poverty. He was also a collector of umbrellas and other unusual objects, and he had a pet cat named PouPou.

Despite his eccentricities, Satie was a brilliant composer who made a significant contribution to Western classical music. His music continues to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Strange Mr. Satie: Composer of the Absurd

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45850 KB
Print length	:	48 pages

FREE