Erik Satie - The Eccentric Life of a Musical Genius | Biographical Documentary

[@bzxshor67mpts]

I am a painter and often listen to Satie to settle me down to a meditative calmness.Thank you for your wonderful presentation on his life

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@haroldgodwinson4674]

As a Black woman, with a son in the military, Gymnopédie has been familiar since childhood, yet until now the title and composer were a mystery. Thank you, Professor Yorston, for another gentle, informative exploration of someone famous I'd never heard of. You pitch these just right. It's what the spirit of KZbin USED to be - absence of ego and celebrity affectation - just an understated love of life and desire to share it.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@sitarnut]

Spot on... mellow presentation presented with class and unbiased delivery. Loved hearing the French names of people, places and things, plus the wonderful Post Cards. Many blessings, Satie my main music Hero. Peace out...

[@AndrewOkus]

@@sitarnut Yes even though the French tend to be arrogant they love art music and beauty. If I had to leave the US I would move to France.

[@davidraymer397]

Is that the very relaxing melody that we've heard on so many films and TV shows?

[@thermionic1234567]

I’m trying to understand your point. Are you trying to say that you are worlds apart from Satie culturally, ethnically and well over a century apart but nonetheless a kindred spirit?

[@feraudyh]

Most enjoyable. As a Frenchman I want to point out that "Ah les vaches." is probably not to be translated as "Ah, the cows" but something like "Ah, the rascals."

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, that makes more sense!

[@Michel-r6m]

Fetchez la vache! 😉

[@andrewnorris2]

@@professorgraemeyorston Given Satie's somewhat eccentricity, and me being a non-French speaker, I shall stick with 'Ah, the cows', but thank you for a great essay into Satie and his music.

[@sjm9876]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@FogelsChannel]

Or "ah, the petite rascals"

[@ColleenC-n5v]

Your treatment-exploration, celebration, investigation, discussion-into the life and inner workings of Satie, are as quietly wonderful-ruminative, meditative, prayer-like-as the compositions themselves…..a wonderful way to spend a winter Sunday evening in New England. Thank you once again, Professor Yorston , along with your gifted and illustrative video filming helpmate(s). God Bless you and your family as you prepare to ring-in another New Year….with the hope for PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN, etc. ✝💜☮

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you - best wishes for the New Year.

[@OneMan-wl1wj]

I can't help but interpret music as an expression of one's inner state, and I was so carried away when first hearing Satie that I immediately set out to find who composed such a sublime and solemn piece. I can "hear him".. even from so far away in time. Despite his eccentricities, something beautiful was going on inside that man. Nice tribute from you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@pseko]

I'm AuDHD and even before being diagnosed -- the first time I heard a Satie piece I knew he was my kin ❤ he's still my favorite composer, and may I admit I love privately conducting his work --thanks!!

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

❤ asperger's here.

[@chuzzbot]

Found this comment, didn't need to post my own. High five.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

That's interesting - some autistic people talk about "the A-dar" - being to spot fellow neurodivergents, does this extend to their work?

[@pseko]

@@professorgraemeyorston I'm thinking I love Satie's work because it drops deep into my inner being and as I listen I experience a liminal state . I'm conducting as I listen and I live for the sudden changes in tempo and key that brings lyrical joy :-) I'm a poet and write the same way where at times the sound of the words are more important than meaning. It's an incantational chant about the universe and our beauty and the sense is in that. He with his spiritual striving and social awkwardness might have been writing hymns to neurodiversity ... but I'm not about to put words of meaning in his work. I hope I simply recognize the scruffy artist for who he is. But I also had the same reaction to Dvorak's Bagatelles. 😀thanks for reading....

[@esmewitch]

@chuzzbot. Same here.

[@rogerwebb7501]

I'm not sure anyone has mentioned it, but at the beginning of the video you showed his birthplace in Honfleur, this is now an amazing museum....but as it's Satie it's like no other birthplace museum. This is a complete immersion in Satie's world...one of mystery, surrealism and childlike wonder! And when you've finished the tour, this place has a trick up it's sleeve - no not just the gift shop.........but you'll just have to go and see for yourself!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for the heads up, I haven't been, but it sounds fascinating.

[@mimig6511]

Thank you. Erik Satie is also one of my favourite composers. Prof you did a splendid job researching and presenting this

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@susanmercurio1060]

I just recently discovered Satie. I like his music very much.

[@williewonka6694]

Thank-you for bio of Erik Satie. I've long enjoyed his music and learning more about his witty, quirky, eccentric and desperately poor life brings a greater appreciation for his art.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree, I like to know more about the lives of artists, writers and composers...which is why I started the channel.

[@joethaler7921]

The argument suggesting Satie’s possible autism, or Asperger’s is a very valid one. As a teacher and private tutor of those on the Spectrum for 40+ years, I see several hints, most prominent among them social awkwardness, that can support that presumption, These discussions are quite enjoyable and, far above the typically inferior drivel that has sullied the internet from its promising beginning. Please keep up the excellent work, Professor.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@sharonjack8582]

You know what? I think you are a genius, Professor Graeme. THIS is one of the BEST videos I have ever seen and heard. I had never heard of Erik Satie. THANK YOU very much. USA

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tmrezzek5728]

Nice one! I discovered Satie by accident, as with most loved discoveries; working a late shift, returning home and flicking on the TV, and one of the local stations was showing an Australian movie called One Night Stand (1984) a drama about nuclear war. During scenes of the protagonist wandering empty city streets, Gymnopédies #1 played on the soundtrack and I was hooked. Next day I went to the music store and bought a Satie cassette (yep, cassette--this was YEARS ago) and I still have it. It's just something about these compositions--they're sparse and lonely, yet beautiful--and a welcome respite from all the bombastic, aural junk that hits us in everyday life.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree - gosh cassettes - do you think they'll ever have a comeback like Vinyl?

[@tmrezzek5728]

@professorgraemeyorston Oh, hell no! And for one reason: NOBODY wants to re-live the horror of listening to your favorite cassette when, suddenly, your tape player decides to eat it and you have to spend hours disentangling a mess of crumpled tape (in old car stereos this was nearly impossible.) I think CDs will be popular again, only because the prices of vinyl are skyrocketing. Prices were fair for awhile, but then the inevitable gouging set in because of the vinyl craze. I don't care how much of a genius Bob Dylan may be, but shucking out $33.00 for his new album is ridiculous!

[@jane.c.c]

Really enjoyed this. You got to love Satie. So original, complex and eccentric. Compliments for being able to decipher and explain such a complicated personality. And compliments on your own piano playing; something I always wished I could do, especially to play Saties beautiful music. Thank you for this video and book suggestions on Satie which I'll certainly look into. He's always been a fascination of mine..

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lisaalum]

I love your choice of subjects to explore.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@sjm9876]

His pieces are some of my favorite but I never knew anything about the man. Thank you for this enthralling biography!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@hl5910]

This genius was way ahead of himself, not the godfather but grandfather of pop art, constantly reinventing himself. Crystallized intelligence no doubt. Fantastic channel 👍.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@tchrisou812]

Emily Dickinson, Louise Brooks, Mark Twain, Charles Bukowski,Judy Garland, Caligula, Nero ,Howard Hughes and now Erik Satie? We share a lot of interest in interesting people in common, and those are just the ones off the top of my head. I have never read comments with requests so I'll try; Paganini, Dostoyevsky, Carl Jung and Ayn Rand. I really enjoy this channel to say the least, Thanks for all the great work Doc!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, great suggestions.

[@michaelguerrieri3486]

​@@professorgraemeyorston please do Jack kirby please

[@JamesSimmons-d1t]

Thank you...wrote a long, vaguely irrelevant, comment. Generalist, wrote thesis on Mark Twain, and the tiny added salary Cary Grant gave Louise Brooks at end of "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" AFTER SHE THOUGHT UP SLOGAN THAT SAVED HIS JOB ...! She was given very stereotyped 'foolish black folk' dialogue in a Thin Man...'telephony' for 'telepathy', me thinx. thanx. Jung, Rand, Garland...less interested...Jung's life....ok, yeah. My comment too long to burden you. retired elderly pauper cripple misanthrope. so writing helps.

[@donaldwhittaker7987]

What do all these people have in common? I don't know much about most of them. I know Rand, Caligula, Twain, and Hughes a little. Is there some common eccentricity they share? Thanks.

[@sandramcdaniel2]

@@donaldwhittaker7987good question.

[@dwdei8815]

Brilliant. I've always been enchanted by the serious-silliness of Satie. His music (aside from the two G-sets) is almost impossible to find and almost never played. But he and I definitely share the same funny bone. With one word or phrase he invariably sets me off (but not Tuesdays). (Edit:) His drawings, by the way, are exquisite. Instantly communicative and light-hearted. He really had the gift of the perfect sketch.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Couldn't agree more! I think being to capture the essence of something with just a pencil lines is a sign of real artist.

[@jj-eg5up]

I started watching your video, paused it, then "rocked out " Satie. Now I am ready to understand.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you prepared yourself.

[@elizzievb]

This was so interesting! I love Satie and this was so in-depth and enlightening. I especially appreciate your inclusion of his relationships with other artists. Thank you for this video!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barrydavis987]

A wonderful documentary of Erik Satie. Very Enjoyable. I believe that at the end of the performance of “Vexations” the audience was reduced to a handful when one Masochist shouted, “Bravo!” and a super Masochist yelled ‘Enchore”. Urbal Myth?

[@professorgraemeyorston]

If it is a myth it's a good one!

[@djtomt]

So glad to know more about Satie. I absolutely love his piano music.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@tashuys]

Thank you for another immersive learning experience. Loved the piano playing too.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PJRII]

Professor Yorston, Many thanks for such an engaging portrait of Satie. The included photographs and your expertise of the human psyche gives us a wonderfully detailed understanding of this important composer. Bravo!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

Thanks!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you very much.

[@pgdh1950]

Thanks

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you very much.

[@magnussigurdsson9045]

Truly an original!! One of my favorite...🥰

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Mine too!

[@annikboyer3395]

I learned about Erik Satie a few years ago, as a suggestion by someone. I have heard his music. Now, I know more about the man.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@thinker9115]

Lovely. Thank you so much for this portrait. I still remember how enchanted I was when I began to listen to Satie back in the early 1980s. Your work is delightful.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you're enjoying them.

[@naepalm1150]

I have always loved this composer. Lovely that you have bought him to life a bit more with the story of his life. Well done and lovely piano playing!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@christopherellis2663]

When in Paris in 2016, I came across his place in Montmartre on the corner of the street where SV's is now a museum.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I'm planning a cultural tour of Paris for my visit.

[@odalisque111]

Thankyou for such a poignant and touching rendering of this artist. I've long felt that his music touched me in a special unique way, so much so that for years his music has been my ringtone. But I knew virtually nothing about him until today. My partner, hovering in the background as your video played, was forced to comment " you really have an instinct for finding kindred spirits". So many quirky details of his life and behavior made complete sense to me, and even his sense of humour in all areas resonated like a tinkling bell in the next room. Some people cannot be explained, only appreciated, so thank you again for such fine portrait.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

My pleasure, glad you (both) enjoyed it.

[@bobtaylor170]

I must say I love the idea of the postmodern stuff he did. Borges sometimes wrote reviews of non - existent books.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It is why it is impossible to be certain about a "diagnosis" as we don't know how much of his behaviour and his writing about his behaviour is consciously exaggerated.

[@ciaobella8963]

Thank you for your insightful biographies of interesting, unique and talented men and women. I look forward to learning more about Amadeus Mozart. He was certainly a true prodigy and genius. Requiem is in my top 10 favorite musical creations.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@bobtaylor170]

I don't know the term for it, but that sustained chord which ends the first part of the Requiem is to me the single most shocking thing in music.

[@janinademetriou-warburton6427]

I always feel compassion with and a sense of belonging whenever I come across an artist who, clearly, struggled but, nevertheless, managed to produce exceptional pieces of work. Satie and van Gough are two such artists. On the other hand my life-long fascination remains with J. S. Bach. During my architecture studies I organized Bach-listening sessions for the students who struggled with conceptual design. It worked for some, some of the time. Thank you for this calm account of a stormy life.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@judithryan783]

Thanks for this sensitive and comprehensive study on Satie

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@indigocheetah4172]

Thank you, Professor Yorston, I love Erick Satie's Gnossienne No.1, played during the film The Painted Veil. By the author W. Somerset Maugham.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I'll have to see if I can find it - I love Maugham.

[@teodelfuego]

Good God! This was excellent on so many levels. Top notch research, writing, production values, reference clips, and narration. Thank you. Subscribed

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard.

[@fleongoogle2429]

This is excellent work.

[@WGreen-Author]

He left us his essence.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He did indeed.

[@pebblemusic7430]

Fabulous video. Thanks for putting this together.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@singlesideman]

A really great video about one of my very favorite composers, and a huge influence on my own work. A couple of curious pronunciations notwithstanding, this was thoroughly engaging, and even though I'm quite familiar with his life story, I'm glad to see that you made this video, and that you've made it for a general audience who would be less likely to be familiar with him and his work than musicians are. He's always wonderful to revisit.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@marquese1960]

I first heard Gymnopédies laying in bed trying to fall asleep one night, it was some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard. PS. Your rendition was lovely.🙏

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@zemabar]

I'm a fan of Satie's music and Dadaist writing and I really liked this video. I will see it again. Thank you from Portugal.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Obrigado.

[@dvd53]

I often play the Gymnopedies on piano (1-3) and get choked up every time, especially from his jazz-like use of an unresolved major seventh chord. Thank you for explaining their title, which I never understood. A very moving portrait of a very complex and difficult man. I am thankful that the world did not forget him.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@ecobeattv6246]

I always think of that music as the saddest song in the world, but beautiful.

[@rosesprog1722]

There was indeed a period in France, end 19th beginning 20th where composers such as Satie, Debussy, Ravel, Saint-Saëns went into places of melodic beauty never heard before, well outside traditional, well established modes. Must have had something to do with the luminous 'Années Lumières' in Paris where art and decadence almost became synonyms, attracting artists from all over the world, had I been alive back then, I probably would have ended up living there, at least for a while but only for the art... well, maybe a little decadence as well, you've got to live with the times they say! Thank you for this delightful analysis, I knew nothing of his private life and unfortunate circumstances, brings back the old dilemma, is creation possible without pain and hardships?

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I agree, Paris between 1890 and 1920 must have been an amazing place to be as an artist.

[@pangur780]

Excellent, and wildly entertaining. Our Erik was very individualistic, something sorely missing in today's music world. Keep up the good work.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Much appreciated!

[@alfonseciaccio3205]

Thank you so for this biography. I have long felt to bring comfort to those who are hurting. I play the renaissance lute. Pray for me that I can be an agent of healing. Thanks again.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Yes, music has a great capacity for healing the soul.

[@troygaspard6732]

Stravinsky described him as a "Knowing card."

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting, thank you.

[@jsprite123]

Gymnopedies No.1 reminds me of contemplating your life on a rainy evening...

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Nice image.

[@jaimeochoa7256]

A fascinating account of Erik Satie's life....Thank you for sharing your passion with us....❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bonjovi1612]

Thank you. A lovely respectful insight into Satié and his life and music. As an Asperger myself I see a lot of similarities in him. I also play piano for the simple reason that I want to play his music. Attempting to capture the place his almost impossible but that’s the challenge that never ends.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@homamellersh8446]

Thank you very much for this biography. Until now for me Satie was a composer who composed Gymnopedie ,and didn’t know anything about him . What a character,hope he didn’t suffer by denying himself a more comfortable life .

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He may well have been very happy with a life which others thought odd - it is hard to know what his true feelings were.

[@emilycorwith1119]

Enjoyed this short biography of Satie very much and look forward to the other composers you will be discussing.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brevnobia1238]

To all the compliments for this video I would like to add mine for this superb work of illustration which transports us to its time.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@lumineria1]

Thank you for sharing the very interesting life of Erik Satie. I’ll admit I wasn’t as familiar with his life, just that beautifully haunting piece of his. I’m curious to really delve into his work and hear with fresh ears. ☺️

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I'm glad it has prompted you to look further into his music.

[@angeloocolee]

such a beautiful and well made video. thank you for this tribute to Satie.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you for watching.

[@johnfranks9271]

Thank you for this full evocation of this wonderfully odd man’s rather full ,valuable and interesting life. Sleeve notes read over the years have seldomly offered a slight hint of Sate’s true life but your video allows the viewer to finally know this enigmatic and intense man.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JulieAnne-7]

Just found your channel. Thank you! It is great and Satie’s music just won’t let me go.💖

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard.

[@stardresser1]

WONDERFUL, this was so fascinating in deed.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@susanmercurio1060]

Dr Yorston, I couldn't "regain" equilibrium, because I never had it. I would have to *discover* equilibrium Yes, I enjoyed this presentation very much.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It's an elusive thing - equilibrium.

[@proteanbandy]

Excellent documentary. Thank you for sharing.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@prototropo]

Wonderful analysis of an almost unanalyzable character. My favorite work of his defies all categorization: "Petite ouverture à danser." So compelling.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

I can't think of any other composer who was able to create such memorable brief pieces of music.

[@hefewiseman]

Innovator.One of a kind.Great sense of humor.Film scorer, collaborator,classic seeming contradictions..fear or technology, invented prepared piano, ground breaking collaborations with visual artists.Iconoclast,de-constructor of forms.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

He was indeed.

[@Dengee]

Thank you for this exploration of Satie. I've always loved his Gymnopedies so it was fascinating to learn more about the man behind the work.❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jonathanpoole5316]

This podcast was extremely satisfying and a very informative bio to fit into 45 minutes, thank you for making it and allowing me to access the salient points so easily. You had me laughing out loud quite a lot, he had a great sense of humour and evidently appreciated the absurdity of the clown factory which is something unexpected. The crossover with art is fascinating, plasticity and/or synaesthesia are both associated with Asperger's. I realised, only in the last few moments, that his muse was Susan Valladon who is really accomplished and acclaimed. Fascinating and brilliant.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@DJKSB58]

The Impressionist period is my favourite in both music + art. I adore Satie’s music. Poulenc also

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Yes, I'm a fan of Poulenc as well - another iconoclast.

[@ceceliafraser152]

Thanks for your steady, warm pitch and rythm. I'm learning some pretty insane history🏆

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks for watching.

[@VaughanMcCue]

What a treat to hear about Satie's life. I only knew about his umbrella collecting. I am sure the DSM V has Umbrellosis or something similar.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You may be right with comorbid shirtcollarosis

[@VaughanMcCue]

@@professorgraemeyorston Back in the day, much of it was going around, around their necks. Thanks for your well-researched content.

[@cazza-tea]

Hello I have recently found your channel and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I recognised some of Satie’s traits as possibly being ASD as I am on the spectrum. His tendency to ‘drop’friendships, and take up new ones and repeat the cycle. His inability to clean or update his living quarters whilst having many unused suits in a cupboard and presenting as fairly well dressed.His quick temper, and the suitcase packing incident made me laugh out loud. I’m more ADHD but my brother is Aspergers and I haven’t been in his house since 2006. He survived lockdown eating sandwiches as he can’t cook. You have selected some very interesting characters on your channel and I am enjoying finding out about them. My suggestions are Antoni Gaudi, Donald O’Connor( his private married life is sad but interesting for the times) and Ted Hughes. Many Thanks I have subscribed ☺️

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard and great suggestions, I'll look into them.

[@basmatine]

There is a biography about the French painter Utrillo, which naturally speaks at length about his mother, the painter Valladon, a drunk much like her son. In that book are tantalizing snippets of encounters with Erik Satie, who, being the rebel he was, could be found on occasion riding a bicycle through the countryside while shooting a revolver randomly into the air. Modigliani makes several appearances as well, and his all night drinking binges with Utrillo in Montmarte are alone worth the read. It seems back then everyone doing anything creative were rubbing shoulders out of simply being in close proximity to each other.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, I'll see if I can find a copy.

[@tony6261]

I play 2 of his pieces on guitar Gymnopedie #1 and Je Te Veux, people love them both, his music is so soothing, as is the art and music from that era, my favorite era!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

It was such an rich period in all of the arts.

[@davidraymer397]

Thank you for your excellent musical biography. I can't count how many films and TV shows I have seen that one musical theme performed in. I was a pretty serious amateur ballet dancer in Oxnard California in the mid 80s, and the Madame who led the studio there always said she performed with the ballet Russes. She was older, but I think too young to have performed in Satie's gala.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

That's some dance pedigree!

[@asherbeal8357]

Thank you Brother! As a neurodivergent person I cried a bunch 🙃 and truly appreciate this post.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You are so welcome

[@fabiesque]

This a MAGNIFICENT documentary!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@loriedmundson782]

Thank you for introducing me to Erik Satie. Very interested in listening to soothing music. Your channel is one of my favorites.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@neostratospey6946]

Thank you. Great work!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Our pleasure!

[@maluribeiro68]

I think Man Ray was being more literal, I truly think he meant that Satie painted images with his music, which actually is very characteristic of impressionistic music. That’s what it means. It means to make regencies to, to describe, to give visual sensations through music, so you’ve a feeling / visual sensation of dawn, a feeling of fairies flying around, a feeling or visual sensation of wind through the trees… before impressionistic music, you had music which conveyed emotions of course, but by reference; it went alegro or melancholy and slow, or epic etc. impressionistic music describes the visual world - at least, that’s how I’d describe it being a painter and a music lover. Having studied about the history of music a bit too. I’m not expert, they might choose different words. Another artists who mingled music & image, was Kandinsky - obviously the other way around- people & himself I believe, said he made images of music, he represented the sounds in visual terms; Satie represented the visual in auditory language. His mess at home & bit of horsing, collecting pieces of paper or unrelated objects is also part of ADHD, perhaps autism - I’m studying this yet. My whole life I had areas of mess or chaos in my life, I self diagnosed AUADHD these last 2 yrs. I’m going for eval. I didn’t k ow he had been so ground breaking! So controversial actually, and yes! I can totally see his paving the way to abstract and conceptual music… to John Cage. How a-vanguard Satie was! I fear if he wasn’t so ADHD he’d have achieved more, because focus is the root of achievement. Double edge sword of being uniquely creative because of autism-ADHD, but also being a victim of the same condition and therefore performing brilliantly but at lower intensity. Very sad lonely life!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

You may be right, but if Man Ray's comment was simply about impressionism in music, then there would have been other composers who would have fit the bill.

[@avispielrein1360]

Brilliant Video !!!!! Thanks for sharing

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@monicacall7532]

As a professional musician who loves the music of Satie I was so surprised to learn that he was so religious at one point in his life. I only knew him as the Dadaist French composer. Satie was part of the “anti-Wagner and Germanic music movement”. English composers Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Gustav Holst began the backlash against Germanic music, and Satie happily joined the movement. If you ever have an opportunity to see a performance of his piece “Parade” do so.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you, there are some excerpts of the recreation of the original version on KZbin - it looks amazing.

[@peanutminicockapoo5759]

Les Trois Gymnopedies, specifically No.1, has always brought peace to my anxious mind. I also found it both a bit haunting and melancolic, and quite like someone trudging through the snow. After watching this video, I realize this may have been an expression of his early life. He surely suffered from an intractable depression due to his early traumatic family losses and being moved about because of them. The influence of alcohol from an extremely young age easily could have cause depressive symptoms and surely further affected his processing of information. These could account for his difficulty with relationships. I'm not saying he wasn't on the spectrum, but I think you might have considered these more obvious potential causes of his eccentricity.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Of course, trauma is important in a child's development - but there is no information on this part of his life so anything I might say would have been speculation and I am trying to avoid the wild speculations that were a part of psycho-biographies in the past.

[@peanutminicockapoo5759]

​@@professorgraemeyorston The loss of a mother and then caregiving grandmother in early childhood are a clear matter of record as is early alcoholism. The autism diagnosis might be considered the only wild speculation. To be clear, are the "Academic References" you mention the "psycho-biographies"? It seems I should read them to get an answer!

[@koenraad4618]

Erik Satie must have discovered hidden powers in gnosticism, otherwise he could not have dealt with his situation, his loneliness. His methodic mad music is simply beautiful.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

HIdden powers or inner strength?

[@Anil18834]

I'm so glad the YT algorithm suggested your channel. I've subscribed. Thank you ❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Welcome aboard!

[@ninascott-stoddart9031]

Satie is one of my favourite composers - thank you so much for this. As you were describing his life, I kept thinking "neurodivergent- probably ADHD" heh heh heh

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Read my mind!

[@fikanera838]

This is so interesting! I was once involved in creating an independent, artistic collaboration about Satie, especially focussing on his relationship with Suzanne Valadon. I was working on the visual aspects, & a friend was doing the musical & historic research. But he quickly became totally frustrated, & said that everything he discovered was without substance. I'm glad to see that he was mistaken, although I'm sorry that our production foundered on his inadequate research.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Give me a call if you want to resurrect the idea!

[@fikanera838]

@professorgraemeyorston I live in Czechia, so I'm a wee bit far away!

[@RKupyr]

Wow. Although a long-time fan of Satie's music - including a sadly-disappeared compilation on KZbin of Satie's piano music combined with the gorgeous nature photos of the compiler (Anyone know its whereabouts?) - I'd NEVER have imagined he lived such a life. How.... complicated, and so close to disaster, repeatedly. Told with subtlety and humour, you have painted a poignant and intriguing picture of this composer and have inspired me to look further. Thank you so much.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@timsolomon50]

Fascinating study -- Thank you so much!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Leslie12.66]

Thank you for the respectful video and lovely piano performance at the end.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you very much!

[@margyrowland]

Thank you for the piano playing too

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks - I'm not quite ready to give up the day job just yet!

[@omfug7148]

I adore Satie's music Professor, so I was extremely happy to see your profile.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thank you.

[@WhiteBloggerBlackSpecs]

Looking at your minimalist Yayoi Kusama posters on your wall, she'd make a great subject for your next video what caused her to hallucinate polka dots that inspired a lifetime of artistic endeavors

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Yes, she is fascinating person, I'll be doing a video about her at some point.

[@TM-yn4iu]

The mind, known only to one but analyzed by many, which is important - will often leave wonder. Great presentation, your music interest/understanding is also appreciated. I can hear keys played on a piano wherever I may be, having to stop and listen. I would expand on my opinions on his life, but not my field. Thanks again.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@CarrieKelly-q6w]

I would like to know much more about Hieronymus Bosch but..I don't think much to know about the man exists other than his paintings..if you could find out..that would be great! Thanks for your channel ..great stuff❤

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks, I'll look into him.

[@autumnleaves2766]

Excellent portrait of Erik Satie. He's quite popular amongst the classical pianists at the piano meet-up group I attend once a month. He was clearly full of ideas but perhaps found it hard to direct his creative energies, and there was so much going on around him in Paris that would have pulled him in different directions. You'd have to think he was on the autistic spectrum. I play jazz piano and compose pieces too, and there is something wonderful about creating a piece, the way a melody just pops into your head sometimes. Many creative people struggle to promote their work and are not pushy by nature. Perhaps Satie could have done with a Clara Schumann-type woman in his life, who could have helped him direct his creative energies, and ensured more of his works could get performed and appreciated.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Interesting point - do you think he would he have tolerated someone directing him?

[@autumnleaves2766]

@@professorgraemeyorston Judging by your excellent film about him, it looks as if he wouldn't have appreciated anyone telling him what to do. It would have needed a pretty special woman to put up with him. Beethoven never married of course, in his case he often fell in love with women he knew he would never be allowed to marry, and some people reckon he had Diogenes syndrome. Beethoven was happier really to concentrate on his great music, and we're all grateful that he did. I don't think it is easy to be creative.

[@fleongoogle2429]

Tack för porträttet av en konstnärssjäl som jag inte alls känt till. Ett mästerverk denna videon. Mannen var, baserat på ditt material här, en säregen hypoman och skarp tänkare. Intressant.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Tack för att du tittade.

[@medievalladybird394]

I wondered why the algorithm offered me this. As I have been watching quite a few channels on ND, I soon had my answer. The term furniture music btw I find especially amusing, because I myself call a certain kind of paintings "Möbelbilder". A term I invariably have to explain. Thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you found us.

[@medievalladybird394]

@@professorgraemeyorston I certainly didn't look for you. I clicked for Satie, waiting for more of his music. But what a life! For some reason he reminded me of Erich Mühsam.

[@medievalladybird394]

And thank you for reminding me that I have a Satie CD. Now I will listen to it on a loop. As soothing as Glass's Metamorphosis.

[@bvbwv3]

Lovely presentation style. Totally engaging. Thank you.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gemellodipriapo]

Great video! Thank you! nice advert for Yayoi Kusama too! She must be nearly Satie's age!!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Close, she was born 4 years after Satie died in 1929.

[@antoniog2854]

Excellent work... Thank you!!!

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you liked it!

[@Robert-yc9ql]

Nicely done.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Thanks!

[@TwonkeyTV]

Thanks for this.Amazing.

[@professorgraemeyorston]

Glad you liked it!