#2 Reading Jean Cocteau

Cocteau seemed like a musician, a filmmaker, and philosopher that helped influence many people during his lifetime; he was instrumental in the influence of les six. I liked how in "Cock and Harlequin" he related the music to a house in which he can live in that is fit for men. This idea is very interesting because it shows how the music needs energy. I wasn't sure if Cocteau completely agreed with the ideas of Satie or Debussy. His writing style seemed to fit the ideas of Satie, very edgy and loud, however in the introduction he wanted a more "everyday" music. Furthermore, I liked how he didn't care what the public perception was of his ideas. This is why I feel that he belongs more with Satie than Debussy. He seemed more outgoing and didn't care how his newly constructed theories were viewed. Additionally, his influence on surrealism can support the fact that he was more progressive that the floating music of Debussy.