Eric Satie Program Notes and Sheet Music

Eric Alfred Leslie Satie (17 May 1866 – 1 July 1925) was a French composer and pianist. He was known for his unconventional and often witty style, which had a major influence on 20th-century music.

Satie was born in Honfleur, France, to a Scottish mother and a French father. He studied music at the Paris Conservatory, but was expelled after two years. He then worked as a café pianist in Montmartre, where he met many of the leading artists and writers of the day.

In the 1890s, Satie began to compose his own music, which was influenced by a wide range of sources, including classical music, jazz, and popular music. He wrote pieces for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and orchestra. His most famous works include the Gymnopédies, Gnossiennes, and Parade.

Satie was a complex and eccentric figure, and his music is often difficult to categorize. He was a pioneer of minimalism and a major influence on the composers of the Second Viennese School, including Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern. He is also considered one of the founders of the Dada movement.

Satie's music is often described as being simple, but it is actually quite complex. He used a variety of techniques, including repetition, rhythm, and harmony, to create a unique and personal style. His music is still enjoyed by many people today, and it continues to influence new generations of composers.