Album Review: The Piano Music Volume 1 by Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff & Thomas De Hartmann
If you’re into classical music with a twist of the contemporary, The Piano Music Volume 1 might just be your next deep-dive listen. Released in 1990 under the Italian label Diagrapho, this album is a collection of hauntingly beautiful piano compositions that feel like they’re whispering secrets from another time. Composed by the enigmatic Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff and brought to life on the keys by Thomas De Hartmann, it’s one of those albums that stays with you long after the last note fades.
Let’s talk tracks. There are so many (seriously, the tracklist feels endless), but two stood out for me: “Hymn For Easter Wednesday” and “Kurd Shepherd Dance.”
“Hymn For Easter Wednesday” hits you right in the soul. It’s slow, meditative, and feels like walking through an ancient cathedral where every step echoes. You don’t need to celebrate Easter—or even believe in anything—to get lost in this piece. It’s not happy or sad; it’s something deeper, like staring at the stars and realizing how small you are. I kept replaying it because it felt like there was more to uncover each time. Maybe Gurdjieff intended it as some kind of spiritual nudge? Who knows, but it works.
Then there’s “Kurd Shepherd Dance,” which couldn’t be more different. This one’s lively, almost playful, like watching shepherds goof around during a rare break from their flocks. The melody has this rustic charm, bouncing between notes with a carefree energy that makes you want to tap your feet or maybe even attempt a clumsy dance move in your living room. It’s refreshing amidst all the heavier, introspective pieces on the album.
What strikes me most about this record is how it feels both timeless and deeply personal. These aren’t just songs—they’re stories, prayers, and maybe even lessons wrapped up in sound. You can tell Gurdjieff and De Hartmann poured everything they had into these compositions. And honestly? Listening to it feels like eavesdropping on a private conversation between two minds way ahead of their time.
One thing I didn’t expect? How much I wanted to learn more about Gurdjieff after hearing this. He wasn’t just a composer—he was a philosopher, mystic, and teacher whose ideas influenced loads of people back in the day. That alone adds a whole other layer to the listening experience. Like, what was he thinking when he wrote these? Was he trying to teach us something, or did he just need to get stuff off his chest?
Anyway, if you’re looking for background music while folding laundry, this ain’t it. But if you’re in the mood to sit still, think too much, and maybe cry a little (in a good way), give The Piano Music Volume 1 a spin. Oh, and fair warning—it pairs dangerously well with late-night coffee and existential crises.
Final thought: If Gurdjieff were alive today, would he have gone viral on TikTok? Probably not. But hey, I’d subscribe to his Patreon.
