The Fourth Movement of György Ligeti's Piano Concerto: Investigating the Musical-Mathematical Connection

Author

Cynthia L. Wong, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Music

Advisor

David Olan

Committee Members

Joseph N. Straus

Jeff Nichols

Norman Carey

Subject Categories

Composition | Dynamical Systems | Geometry and Topology | Music Theory

Keywords

Ligeti, Piano Concerto, fractal, chaos, analysis, music

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study explores musical-mathematical analogies in the fourth movement of Ligeti’s Piano Concerto. Its aim is to connect musical analysis with the piece’s mathematical inspiration. For this purpose, the dissertation is divided into two sections. Part I (Chapters 1-2) provides musical and mathematical context, including an explanation of ideas related to Ligeti’s mathematical inspiration. Part II (Chapters 3-5) delves into an analysis of the rhythm, form, melody / motive, and harmony. Appendix A is a reduced score of the entire movement, labeled according to my analysis.

Comments

This essay and the composition, "Snapshots," together constitute the author's dissertation but are otherwise unrelated.

Recommended Citation

Wong, Cynthia L., "The Fourth Movement of György Ligeti's Piano Concerto: Investigating the Musical-Mathematical Connection" (2016). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/1521