Study On Polymodality And Polyrhythm In Ligeti's Piano Etudes Book Ⅱ

Through the detailed study of pitch class sets, rhythmic patterns, timbre, texture and perpetual motion in Ligeti's Piano Etudes Book II, this dissertation analyzes Ligeti's unique compositional style, especially the pervasive use of polymodality and polyrhythm. A deeper understanding of his late piano works, their musical significance and performance characteristics is gained, as well as a better sense of how to teach his piano music.This dissertation consists of three chapters. Chapter one focuses on the eight etudes through formal analysis and detailed study of compositional characteristics. In particular, chapter one's structural overview lays the foundation for a better understanding of polymodality and polyrhythm, which will be covered in depth in later chapters. Chapter two illustrates typical examples of pitch class sets, rhythmic patterns, timbre, texture and perpetual motion in order to better analyze and categorize Ligeti's utilization of polymodality and polyrhythms. Chapter three places emphasis on piano pedagogue and performance with particular regard to his unique polymodal and polyrhythmic writing style.