Satie, Works for Piano

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Erik Satie's death, the piano duo P 4 2, consisting of Beata Pincetić and Christos Sakellaridis, presents a concert of works and transcriptions for solo piano and piano four hands, which reflect Satie's particular, often playful relationship with religion and spirituality.

Although not traditionally religious, Satie was deeply influenced by mysticism and developed a personal spiritual philosophy. His brief affiliation with the Order of the Rosicrucians inspired several musical works. Later, Satie founded his own virtual religion called the Église métropolitaine d'art de Jésus conducteur (Metropolitan Church of the Art of Jesus the Leader), appointing himself sole member, parcier (sharecropper) and maître de chapelle (music director).

The concert programme includes characteristic piano compositions by Satie, such as Trois Morceaux en forme de poire (Three Pieces in the Shape of a Pear, 1903), an eccentric recapitulation of the composer's early creative periods in seven (!) parts, Sonneries de la Rose+Croix (1892), a mystical journey through the composer's Rosicrucian period that highlights his early spiritual quest; Ogives, four pieces from 1886 inspired by Gothic architecture that combine religious symbolism with Satie's minimalist style; Aperçus désagréables (1908-12), an ingenious exploration of discordance that reflects the composer's unconventional approach to spiritual harmony; and En habit de cheval (1911), a distinctive suite that embodies Satie's unique spiritual perspective through its unconventional structure.

BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

P 4 2

The piano duo P 4 2 (piano for two), known for their devotion to modern music and promotion of groundbreaking pieces and new compositions, consists of Beata Pincetić and Christos Sakellaridis. The two pianists, partners in life and art, met during their studies at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Since 2003, they have been working together, presenting concerts at prestigious halls and festivals in Greece and Europe. Through performances at venues such as Onassis Stegi, the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls, the GNO Alternative Stage, and the Croatian Music Institute in Zagreb, the duo has won over audiences and critics alike with their performative artistry and virtuosity.

P 4 2 has explored the repertoire of important composers such as John Adams, Julius Eastman, John Cage, Simeon ten Holt, Graham Fitkin, Karlheinz Stockhausen, and others. Their international presence includes performances in countries such as Croatia, England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Cyprus. They have also participated in major festivals, including the GNO Sacred Music Festival, the Chios Music Festival, the International Pharos Chamber Music Festival, the Sani Festival, and the International Chamber Music Festival.

Their album 20th Century Music for Two Pianos, released with the support of the Onassis Foundation, garnered excellent reviews. Their future plans include the release of a new album featuring works by Philip Glass, John Adams, Takashi Yoshimatsu, and Tomohiro Moriyama in spring 2025, as well as a special project dedicated to Erik Satie featuring all of his works for solo piano and piano duo.