Inspired by an idea of pianist Claire Chevallier, this piano recital on Erard confronts music by Satie with music by Poulenc.

Two musical masterpieces, two celebrated composers from opposite worlds. A confrontation. Asceticism or easy joy, efforts of the soul or distraction of the heart. Which is the right choice? Choose? Do you have to choose?
 
Satie (1866-1925) presents le Fils des Etoiles in his piano cycle: initiation in the religion and introspection purify and elevate the soul.  Poulenc (1899-1963) composed L’Histoire de Babar after the story by Jean de Brunhoff. After the death of his mother, a little elephant is taken care of by an old lady. When he returns to the jungle, he becomes king of the elephants. In the end he falls asleep, together with his love, under the stars.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Paris was the centre of many spontaneous exchanges between different artists. This interaction between the arts inspired Babar/Le Fils des Etoiles. Inspired by an idea of pianist Claire Chevallier, this piano recital on Erard confronts music by Satie with music by Poulenc. Josse De Pauw performs the text as a part of the music and directs his performances explicitly at an adult audience. Benoît van Innis draws what he hears; a visual composition which connects the themes.
 

Credits

  • Music • Eric Satie / Francis Poulenc
  • Text • Jean De Brunhoff
  • Piano • Claire Chevallier
  • Scenography • Herman Sorgeloos
  • Thanks to • Anne-Catherine Kunz
  • Drawings • BenoĆ®t Van Innis
  • Play • Josse De Pauw