This chime is tuned to the lovely scale from Erik Satie's Gnossienne No. 1, written in 1890.
An eccentric French composer, Satie and his music had a significant influence on fellow impressionists Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Many of the great impressionist painters of the 19th century such as Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse created some of their most celebrated works in Provence, the region in southern France known for delighting the senses. It was here that Van Gogh produced his famous still lifes with sunflowers in 1888-89. The extraordinary landscapes in Provence, infused with the scent of lavender and rosemary, and its delicious cuisine leave a lasting impression as will our Chimes of Provence.
Just as the landscapes of Provence inspired some of the world's greatest impressionist painters, they have inspired us, as well. This windchime reflects the color and tone of the French countryside, right down to the sunflower image burned into the wood of the windcatcher.
