Erik Satie

by Rollo H. Myers

Le livre de Rollo Myers est le premier ouvrage important et complet sur la vie et l'oeuvre d'Erik Satie. On connaît peu de choses sur Satie. Sa vie, son oeuvre se fondent en une sorte de légende, d'où il ressort qu'il fut surtout un fantaisiste impénitent. On se rappelle peut-être aussi qu'il participa aux divers mouvements dadaïste, surréaliste, etc. ; qu'il écrivait les Gymnopédies, et la musique de ballets auxquels collaborèrent Picasso, Picabia, Cocteau. Le présent livre rétablit les faits dans leur vérité : il nous fait découvrir en Satie un grand musicien, quoique plus encore par une influence, et aussi une personnalité hors du commun. Les traits dominants de sa nature, dès son enfance, furent son amour de la musique, et son irrévérence foncière, sa haine enracinée des conventions sous toutes leurs formes. Il était né rebelle, et se montra toute sa vie violent, idéaliste, orgueilleux. Malgré son amour de l'absurde, son sens de l'ironie et de l'humour, il fut loin d'être le plaisantin que l'on s'est plu à voir seulement en lui. Jamais il ne permit à son oeuvre de se corrompre, et l'on ne peut mettre en doute son intégrité artistique. Nulle bassesse, ni dans la vie ni dans l'oeuvre, de celui qui avait pour devise : "Il faut être intransigeant jusqu'au bout." À travers le livre de Myers revit ce caractère passionné, cette musique toujours à l'avant-garde, et toute la vie artistique de l'époque.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

150 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1948

Reviews

[Jude Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

interesting but the prose was really annoying

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satie was an eccentric individual whose composing ventured beyond the music of his time. A fantasy lover and one whose humorous references to himself, his music and other composers, he was said to be a forerunner of modern music. His compositions can be roughly divided into three types: compositions for pianos, songs, and music for stage productions. His most famous piece is probably Socrate written early in his life. His piano pieces are also considered very good. He was a man who encouraged young composers for they are the future of music. But I agree with one reviewer who said, "It helps to have an excellent understanding of late classical music from 1850-1920." This may be because it would help readers understand why he was often criticized. In addition, he lived in his own musical world. Nevertheless, I found this a most interesting read. He was a fascinatingly brilliant man.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inconsistent translations and a rather miserable story arc where the author alludes to things not yet explained, made this a fairly disappointing read. If the subject matter weren't so interesting, or I had read other Satie biographies before this, this would be a complete dud. The language is rather dated, and it helps to have an excellent understanding of late classical music from 1850-1920 to connect the numerous references.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad for this introduction into a very interesting man’s life. Felt like I’ve gained a nice overview of his output and life. However, without knowing French it was difficult to follow some points. Didn’t feel like a comprehensive biography either. Would need to read another biography to get a full sense of the subject.

[Natalia Swiatkowski]

Satie is great this book is not. Just not a lot of in depth analysis. Some really insightful information but most things talked about are vaguely introduced then dropped. I spent more time looking up stuff mentioned in the book than actually reading it.

[Tentatively, Convenience · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dim memory from my youth. Whether this bk really 'deserves' a 4 star rating I can't say. I give it one b/c it was the 1st bio I read re Satie (other than, perhaps, the one contained in "The Banquet Years"). Given that I love Satie's music & that his life interests me, it's no surprise I give this bk a good rating.