Newsletter 1/2002


The 39 Series on CD (buy)

This 2-CD set includes a 45-page booklet containing an introduction by Thomas C. Daly, heir and custodian of the De Hartmann Estate, and an extensive article by Wim van Dullemen describing the history of the '39' Movements. This set of Movements is regarded by many as Gurdjieff's magnum opus and the summary of his whole teaching to mankind.
Van Dullemen's article is based largely on interviews with pupils who themselves actually stood in Gurdjieff's classes while he created these Movements. Their experiences, insights and recollections reveal the historical picture with clarity and in unprecedented detail. What's more, the booklet includes a 5-page chronology of Thomas de Hartmann's life and major musical works.
Lavishly illustrated, the booklet further contains thirty photographs of Gurdjieff, De Hartmann, of Movements and historical documents, many of which have never been published before.
The genesis of this whole project, which took several years before it was finally completed, lies with Gert-Jan Blom, the producer of these CDs.

The 37 pieces for the 39 Series were composed by Thomas de Hartmann, c. 1950.
Interpretations of all the pieces-as regards tempo, rhythm, characteristics of melody and other musical dynamics-have been based on personal instructions received over many years from direct pupils of G. I. Gurdjieff. Also, we have studied and taken into account the earliest available recordings of these compositions. Originally no titles, only N-numbers, were given. These N-numbers as well as the indications of tempo stem from the first private publication prepared by de Hartmann himself,
The earliest available recordings, made in 1951, of these compositions, have been studied and taken into account as well.

To buy this CD via Amazon click here
- Music for the 39 Series 2CDs -