vexations (2019)

"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.” Erik Satie- Vexations (1893) score instructions

Through listening, meditation, imagination, and experimentation, the artist and a dedicated group of peers have collectively prepared to share Vexations in its entirety. A trained classical pianist, JL reimagines the practice process as the pianists co-develop a new system of instrumental performance preparation which contraindicates hegemonic methods of education and embodiment through experiential and extraperceptual exploration. Vexations, composed circa 1893 by Erik Satie (1866-1925) during his brief membership in the Order of the Rose and Cross, was never published, performed, nor mentioned in his lifetime.