Mr. Gurdjieff categorized art as either Subjective, stemming from the subjective impulses of the artist, or what he termed "Objective Art". Objective art is said to be a means of preserving and transmitting certain knowledge, based on mathematically exact principles, and creates experiences intended by the artist in the attentive participant, varying only by degree. Mr. Gurdjieff considered art, including music and dance, as a means for harmonious development of man.
Besides the music for the "Movements", Mr. Gurdjieff, with the addition of Mr. de Hartmann, also composed music to be played after readings of his books, meetings with his pupils, or on special occasions. Scores of upward of 200 pieces exist. Some of the compositions may have been inspired by the Russian orthodox liturgy, others by the music Mr. Gurdjieff came across in remote Asian temples and monastaries. His music has often a haunting or evocative melody that creates a deep indescribable feeling or longing.
Whether his music is an example of what he called "Objective Art", that is, Art that evokes in accordance with the laws of vibration, calculated feelings and states in the attentive listener, we leave to others to judge.
His music for the piano is published by Schott Music of Germany in four volumes.