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- Naturally excentrique...
Naturally excentrique...
He frequently went for walks but carried a hammer with him while doing so.
He only ate foods that were colored white: eggs, sugar, rice, shredded bones, coconuts, etc.
After his passing, a wide collection of umbrellas was found in his Paris apartment. But also, a large collection of identical suits; he wore the same clothing every day.
He was also among the most influential composers of the XXth century.
Yes, Erik Satie´s habits might have been awkward, even disturbing. But his creative spirit was immense.
He had been friends with other French composers like Debussy but rejected them later in life, criticizing their “grandiose” style. Satie was more of a minimalist.
Among his compositions, one of the most famous is his Gnossiene nr.1, a beautiful piece with a meditative feel to it. Satie coined the term “Gnossiene” himself and nobody really knows what it means, but some believe it might be derived from “gnosis” (referring to mystical or esoteric knowledge) or from the name "Knossos," the ancient Cretan city linked to labyrinths and mythology, especially the Minotaur.
The work, like the other Gnossienes and Gymnopedies, was originally written for piano.
I´ve just uploaded a video performing the Gnossiene nr.1 on bandoneon. It definitely feels different than on piano, I wonder what you make out of it. Watch it here.
Enjoy, and have a great day.
Claudio.