It is thought that the word, “Gnosienne” is a vague allusion to Gnossos (or Knossos), an ancient city
on the island of Crete where once stood the palace of King Minos and the Minotaur’s labyrinth. But
that is neither here nor there (nor under the table). To quote the composer completely out of context
“And then the door opens, opens, opens like an eye: a formless silent being comes closer and closer
and closer. Not a drop of sweat remains in my terrified body; and besides, I am very, very thirsty.
A voice comes out of the shadows, “Sir, I think I am clairvoyant.” That, as they say, just about says
it all, doesn’t it?.
Archive for March, 2015
Erik Satie’s Gnossienne No. 1
Posted byFrom the CD, Euphonic Verses (available on Amazon), and from one of the most eccentric composers
that has ever lived, here is Erik Satie’s Gnossienne No. 1. Visuals loosely inspired by Picasso’s
costume designs for Satie’s ballet, Parade, as well as Dada, surrealism and yesterday’s vegan
tuna sandwich. This piece is offered (to quote the composer out of context) to “show all those
affected by incommensurable tedium, profound disgust with existence, or unending bitterness, an
infallible way to be promptly cheered up.” Several of the composer’s notations are included.