Erik Satie

**Holly** · 17-05-2012, 02:56 AM

Today in history: 17 May 1866

The French composer and pianist was born on this date in Hornfleur, Normandy.

In 1887, Satie left the Parisian home of his father and stepmother to take lodgings in Montmartre. By this time, he had started what was to be an enduring friendship with the romantic poet Patrice Contamine, and had had his first compositions published by his father. He soon integrated with the artistic clientele of the Le Chat Noir Café-cabaret, and started publishing his Gymnopédies. Publication of compositions in the same vein (Ogives, Gnossiennes, etc.) followed. In the same period he befriended Claude Debussy.

Politically, Satie was a socialist and joined a party early in the twentieth century. He also played a full part in the artistic life of Paris becoming associated with Ravel and young musicians as well as the Dada movement and surrealism.

After years of heavy drinking, Satie died on 1 July 1925 from cirrhosis of the liver, never having married.

Satie's best known music is his Gymnopédies but most people at some time will have heard his Gnossiennes Nº 1 which I am posting here. The pianist is Pascal Rogé and the monochrome photographs of Paris add to the atmosphere.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Op2emDBZk&feature=related"]Erik Satie bajo la lluvia. - YouTube[/ame]

**C. Flower** · 17-05-2012, 08:36 AM

A maker of magical music.

**Hapax** · 17-05-2012, 11:28 AM

For many years I've loved his music for the ballet, Parade, with scenario by Cocteau, costumes by Picasso, choreography by Massine, presented by the Ballets Russes. All hail Wikipedia, though, for giving me this yarn, which I'd not heard before:

one of the most memorable scandals was an altercation between Cocteau, Satie, and music critic Jean Poueigh, who gave Parade an unfavorable review. Satie had written a postcard to the critic which read, "Monsieur et cher ami - vous êtes un cul, un cul sans musique! Signé Erik Satie" ("Sir and Dear Friend, You are not only an arse, but an arse without music. Signed, Erik Satie."). The critic sued Satie, and at the trial Cocteau was arrested and beaten by police for repeatedly yelling "arse" in the courtroom. Satie was given a sentence of eight days in jail.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wHeR2VFFFs"]Satie PARADE BBC National Orchestra of Wales - YouTube[/ame]

**Sam Lord** · 17-05-2012, 11:39 AM

I think his parents were Scottish and he was born in London.

Radical and anti-establishment in both music and politics. Musically he was avant-garde and his compositions may be considered a reaction against romanticism and a major contribution to 20th century music. He joined the Communist Party in the early 1920's.