Renowned pianist Igor Levit will take on the daunting challenge of performing Erik Satie’s ‘Vexations’ in its entirety this Spring at London’s Southbank Centre. The piece, which Satie wrote in 1893 but never published during his lifetime, consists of a one-page composition meant to be repeated 840 times. Levit previously performed ‘Vexations’ over livestream during the pandemic as part of a series of piano concerts representing a “silent scream” of musicians worldwide.
The upcoming performance is expected to last between 16 and 20 hours, making it a true endurance test for Levit. To assist in directing the show, Levit will be joined by performance artist Marina Abramović. Together, they aim to create a unique and immersive experience for the audience, with the platform around Levit gradually deconstructed to allow for a closer connection with the pianist.
Satie’s influence on modernist composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel is well-documented, and ‘Vexations’ remains a testament to his experimental and minimalist approach to music. The piece has been performed in full before, most notably by American pianist Aaron D. Smith in a 36-hour long version. Levit’s performance will once again showcase the enduring appeal and challenge of Satie’s work, as well as his own dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical performance.
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