6/30 Today in Weird Music History: 1913. French composer Erik Satie composes a piece titled, Three Dessicated Embryos. The 3 short piano pieces were actually mildly descriptive of sea crustaceans, but also dedicated to satirizing famous composers. Considered a charlatan by many, Satie was a founding force for simplicity as well as expression of sardonic humor in music. Other interesting titles include Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear, and Genuine Flabby Preludes for a Dog. His music was funny at times for the performer as well with instructions to play “Like a Nightingale with a Toothache,” “Light as an Egg,” and “Wonder About Yourself.” But the all time favorite might be: “play this motif 840 times in succession, it would be advisable to prepare oneself beforehand, in the deepest silence, by serious immobilities”
Here’s a link to Three Dessicated Embryos. Actually quite a fine piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6LSyxGa4F8
Weird Music History 