Ligeti's Etudes pour piano (premier livre): A fusion of tradition and experimentation

Abstract

The Etudes pour piano at once depict Ligeti's deep affinity with established musical idioms, and an ability to integrate external influences, creating a progression in the evolution of piano performance. This article places Ligeti's Études pour piano in the context of the compositional tradition of the piano étude as a genre. Examination of the formal structure, figuration and piano technique are relevant, as they are elements in which Ligeti largely conformed to the heritage of étude writing. Harmony and rhythm are also discussed, where Ligeti's unique musical language is most clearly recognisable, and extends beyond the majority of previous étude compositions.