3
Music and Animals
LET us now pass on to Music. We cannot doubt that animals like and practice music. That is obvious, but it seems to me that their musical system differs from ours.
It is another school.
One must hear them whinny, cackle, mieu, bray, whistle, croak, bleat, bellow, cluck, coo, howl, roar, purr, twitter, yelp—in order to have an idea of their sonorous art. The repertory and its usage is transmitted from father to son—by simple imitation. Already gifted, the pupil soon equals the master.
WE know nothing of their didactic works. Perhaps they have none.
The physical aspect of certain types indicates a particular aptitude. In Birds, the beak brings them close to the clarionette, and the flageolet.
And, in contrast, others have a general conformation that forbids their ever dreaming of an operatic or artistic career. Fish for example—those poor beasts cannot even think of it.
But nothing can stop us from considering the majority of animals capable of exercising an art for which Nature has prepared them with such care. That is why the musicians of the human species have a right to interest themselves in the efforts of their dear brothers of the animal kingdom.
That is all I had to say to you.
I wish to thank you for your kind attention. I do so with pleasure.
Believe me, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your devoted servant,
Erik Satie.
Woodcut Decorations by PAUL VERA
