Interpretations of The Music
Oriental Suite
Gert Jan Blom
In December, 1923, the Gurdjieff Institute gave a series of eight public demonstrations
of the Sacred Gymnastics and Movements at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées in Paris.
The music, composed by Gurdjieff to accompany these dances, was orchestrated by
Thomas de Hartmann and performed by an orchestra of thirty-five musicians. In January 1924,
Gurdjieff and his pupils sailed to America for a series of public demonstrations in New York,
Boston and Chicago. At Gurdjieff’s request, de Hartmann adapted the full orchestral scores for a
smaller ensemble that would accompany the demonstrations there. The four CDs enclosed with
this book contain both the Paris and American orchestrations, all recorded for the first time by the
Metropole Orchestra and the Little Orchestra.
An addenda section features music that was intended for Gurdjieff’s unfinished ballet,
"The Struggle of the Magicians." The 255-page book is profusely illustrated with many new photos
and unique historical documents. It further contains recollections of people who were present when these demonstrations were given, as well as a sampling of the extensive press coverage that the Gurdjieff Institute generated during its first (and final) public appearance.
Rio Arriba: Music of Gurdjieff/de Hartmann
Yleana Bautista de la Torre
This is a recording of a live piano concert given in 2012 in Chicago entitled "Journey to Inaccessible Places." The title means "upstream" and reflects the pianist's desire to bear witness to an ascending current within us. Liner notes are in Spanish and English.
Trinity: Music of G.I. Gurdjieff and Thomas de Hartmann
The Ridley Ensemble
Based in Philadelphia, The Ridley Ensemble includes Mitzi DeWhitt, Richard Finestone and Chris Wertenbaker. Arrangements feature harmonium and other instruments including oud and kanun, enhancing the folk nature of these pieces.
