In the literary world, where the intersection of poetry and music is a delicate art, Didier da Silva stands out with his latest work, 'Trois Socrates.' This bold literary piece offers an intriguing, melodic exploration of Erik Satie’s symphonic drama, 'Socrate.' Commissioned by Princess de Polignac in the early 1920s, Satie’s 'Socrate' accompanied her Greek studies with its three-part composition based loosely on Plato's works.
Cover of Didier da Silva's 'Trois Socrates', capturing the essence of musical exploration.
Erik Satie's 'Socrate' is split into three distinct parts, derived from famous dialogues by Plato: 'Portrait de Socrate' from the 'Symposium,' 'Sur les bords de l'Illissus' from 'Phaedrus,' and 'La Mort de Socrate' from 'Phaedo.' Its initial orchestral debut in 1920 received mixed reactions, giggles from the audience juxtaposed with the gravity and melancholy within the music. Many musicians, however, recognize it as a pinnacle of Satie’s genius.
Didier da Silva reimagines this piece in 'Trois Socrates.' He delves into its tripartite structure, weaving a narrative that unfolds the intertwined legacy it left behind. The novel recounts the journey from Satie's original piece to John Cage's transformation titled 'Cheap Imitation.' Cage’s rendition was initially crafted for a dance piece by Merce Cunningham, titled 'Second Hand.'
Cage's interpretation didn't end the conversation. Morton Feldman found inspiration in Cage’s interpretation and extended it further with his own version, tailored for instruments like the flute, glockenspiel, and piano. His rendition received its debut performance by the renowned pianist Aki Takahashi in 1980. This piece, recorded for the first time in 2021, is available to listen to online, revealing a poignant beauty that continues to captivate audiences.
Da Silva's 'Trois Socrates' is more than a reflection of musical progeny; it is an evocative journey through time, bringing to life the echoes of Satie's original work. It poses the question: How do melodies evolve, and what do they say about their origins and transformations?
In exploring these themes, da Silva achieves a remarkable feat: he composes literature that resonates like music, paying homage to a piece that continues to inspire avant-garde composers and musicians. 'Trois Socrates' not only revives Erik Satie’s work but interlaces it with the legacy of Cage and Feldman, resonating with readers and listeners alike through its harmonious exploration.
For those wanting to experience these transformative compositions, Aki Takahashi’s recorded performance offers a rare listening opportunity that echoes the timeless elegance of this enduring musical conversation.