Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff

The Profile

Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff (died 1949) was a spiritual teacher and composer whose music has been described as "objective music" and intended as part of his broader teaching. Many pieces were arranged or performed in collaboration with others, notably Thomas de Hartmann.

Gurdjieff composed music associated with his teachings; his music blends Eastern and Western folk elements and includes material related to Greek Orthodox repertoire. Several modern recordings and transcriptions exist, including a 2004 ECM piano/cello interpretation by Vassilis Tsabropoulos and Anja Lechner. He collaborated with Thomas de Hartmann on piano works.

A DeBaser review praises the ECM 2004 piano–cello transcription of Gurdjieff's music performed by Vassilis Tsabropoulos and Anja Lechner. The review highlights the music's "objective" purpose to awaken listeners and notes an East–West blend with Greek Orthodox references. The performance is described as clear, lyrical and balanced. Recommended as a concentrated, frugal listening experience.