Erik Satie
Early Life
Erik Satie, born on May 17, 1866, in Honfleur, Calvados, was a French composer and pianist. He was the son of Alfred Satie and his wife Jane Leslie Anton, who was born in London to Scottish parents. Satie's family moved to Paris in 1869, but his mother died when he was only six years old. After her death, Satie and his younger brother Conrad were sent back to Honfleur to live with their paternal grandparents.
Musical Education
In 1879, Satie entered the Paris Conservatoire, where he was described as a "gifted" student. However, his unconventional behavior and views often clashed with the rigid teaching style of the Conservatoire, and he was eventually labeled as "untalented" by his instructors. Despite this, Satie continued his studies at the Conservatoire for several more years, studying piano under Georges Mathias and composition under Ernest Guiraud.
Career
Satie began his professional career as a café pianist, composing and performing his own pieces. His early works, such as the "Gymnopédies" and the "Gnossiennes," were a departure from the romantic music of the time, featuring sparse melodies and unconventional harmonic structures. These compositions, which Satie referred to as "furniture music," were intended to blend into the background and create a soothing atmosphere.
In 1898, Satie moved to Arcueil, a suburb of Paris, where he lived in relative isolation for the next ten years. During this period, he composed some of his most famous works, including "Parade" and "Relâche." Satie's music was often characterized by its simplicity and minimalism, a stark contrast to the elaborate compositions of his contemporaries.
Influence and Legacy
Satie's work had a profound influence on 20th-century music, particularly within the realms of minimalism and ambient music. His concept of "furniture music" is considered a precursor to the modern genre of ambient music. Satie's minimalist approach to composition also influenced many 20th-century composers, including John Cage, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich.
Despite his significant contributions to music, Satie was often overlooked during his lifetime. It was only after his death in 1925 that his work began to be widely recognized and appreciated. Today, Satie is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western music.