Erik Satie's Vexations......why?

[Shagdac]

I just heard (part of) a piece by Erik Satie, titled "Vexations". Apparently, this is the same short phrase repeated over and over 840 times for a time period of 24 hours or so. The article stated that this had been performed in Australia at least 2 times. I had never heard of this piece and now I'm wondering why would he have composed this piece? What was his reasoning or inspiration behind having a phrase repeated that many times, or for that long? Interesting, but sounds really weird. After hearing the phrase only several times, I doubt I could play it 25 times, let alone 840! It really was not that pleasant, in my opinion to listen to. Maybe that's the point, I don't know. Is anyone else familiar with this piece, or has any insight as to the reasoning that went into it's composure?


Thanks
Shag

[DarkWind]

I think I read somewhere that it was made to "vex" Satie's reputation, so he'll never become that famous. I'm not really sure though...

[bernhard]

Satie was one of the most inovative composers ever. Everyone was deeply influenced by him (while not always acknowledgin the influence) from Debussy to John Cage. He pretty much invented experimental music.

Read about vexations (there is a score as well, so you can try it! But be warned, it tke some 20 hours to go through it!) here:

https://www.af.lu.se/~fogwall/article3.html

Satie was also a very interesting personality. If you can, read his writings as well.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.