Erik Satie ~1893~ Vexations

One pattern of thirteen neutral and smooth chords, slow and static, with a preamble note which was enough to create the worldwide reputation of Satie amongt the music lovers, thanks to John Cage: “In order to play the theme 840 times in succession, it would be advisable to prepare oneself beforehand, and in the deepest silence, by serious immobilities.“ “Vexations“ is a simple harmony exercise which Satie composed during, or right after, his relationship with Suzanne Valadon in 1893. Not meant to be published. In his writings, Satie notes laconically: “On the 14th of January in the year of our Lord 1893... began my love affair with Suzanne Valadon, which ended on the 20th of June of the same year. Monday, 16 January 1893, my friend Suzanne Valadon came for the first time in her life in this place and for the last time on the 17th of June of the same year. »