György Ligeti on his Etudes for Solo Piano (1986)

Wednesday, November 12, 1986 at 8:30 pm
Merkin Concert Hall, Abraham Goodman House
"Sandwiched between the performances, the composer gives a brief and (if you’re into this sort of thing) entertaining explanation of the composition techniques used to create the Études. In his humble, humorous way, Ligeti - with assistance from Banfield - makes the advanced musical theory underlying these dense, polyrhythmic pieces seem simple and even approachable. In a refreshingly casual style, the composer reminds us that even the most advanced technique and theory, like the most advanced technologies, are tools, not ends in themselves."
Courtesy: NYPR Archives
www.wnyc.org/s...

[@thibomeurkens2296]

I love the thing he says about “it isn’t really an end”. When I played it I was asked many times before the performance (in rehearsal, audition etc) : “Is that your whole piece? Or is there another part?”

[@blainesnow1476]

So great to hear him discuss his music, especially the etudes! What a gift! Thank you.

[@МуродТанжихолов]

So the first Etude is just like King Crimson's Frame by Frame?

[@arielorthmann4061]

Amazing document. Such complex music yet explained in such a simple manner.

[@nonretrogradable]

Any chance to hear him speak is a treasure. What an imagination he had - one of a kind!

[@bNascha]

Thank You so much for the upload! I am writing a analysis of the Études now and Ligetis explanation here is so helpful!🎶

[@berenikeofficial5272]

Hey
I am playing learning fanfares right now. Any chance to read your anslysis somewhere?

[@SunAndMoon-zc9vd]

@@berenikeofficial5272 Hi, you can find published articles by googling. For example, you can google "The technical reviews of Ligeti Piano Etude No.4
Fanfares", written by Liang Deng. That may also give you an idea of where other similar articles are to be found.

[@letrasimperfectas]

My Man 🙏

[@aakarshitsingh1535]

thanks for uploading this

[@scriabinismydog2439]

2:20 this scale is actually one of Messiaen's Modes of Limited Transposition

[@fredericfrancoischopin6971]

Is scale with shifts based on tritone?

[@NanaKwame96]

@@fredericfrancoischopin6971 It's like its built from 2 tetrachords divided by a tritone based on the first tone. So kinda yes.

[@prepcoin_nl4362]

@@fredericfrancoischopin6971 Modes 4 - 7 are all built on tritone transpositions. In this case, it's Mode 6 and as Ligeti phrases it, it's built on the tetrachord (0245) + its tritone transposition.
Also modes 1 and 2 can also be described as tritone transpositions (a consequence of 6 being produced by both the 2 and 3 cycles.) So really, Mode 3 is the only unique mode in that regard being based on major 3rds.

[@michaeltilley8708]

You mean his teacher?

[@SatoruTakishima]

Hi Utsyo! Great technique! So moving, active, passionated and interesting. I enjoy and love it very much. Have a wonderful weekend and take care.👏👏👏Your friend Satoru

[@ruslan.denshaev]

Wonderful! 🥲

[@PalumboComposer]

just wonderful...

[@familyxtube]

Thank you! More more more!

[@marcioegomes]

Hi! Thanks for share this!

[@machida5114]

so good...

[@MrInterestingthings]

Wow! What a treasure to hear a composer tell his aims &solutions. We are fortunate for this. So much contemporary music is incomprehensible unless u habesome idea what is happening??

[@danmartinazzi]

Amazing genius!

[@Whatismusic123]

Pure delusion, no mind behind his decisions.

[@twentysecondsofsomething2874]

Please explain...

[@Whatismusic123]

@@twentysecondsofsomething2874 he's incredibly incompetent at his "art"

[@na-kun2136]

​​@@Whatismusic123if he managed to create this set and people liked it, nothing else matters. He is composer, not just music theorist

[@Whatismusic123]

@@na-kun2136 he doesn't present it as entertainment.

[@na-kun2136]

@@Whatismusic123 because it is no? Lmao. Just because you percieve it that way, doesn't mean it is like that. Bruh