Home > Music, Performing Arts > Vol 10 No 1 June 2023 Abstract 3
Metricity and Polyrhythm: A perceptual and performance-practice-based study on Fanfares from Étude pour piano by György Ligeti
Dielan Wu

Abstract
Piano étude No. 4, Fanfares is one of most frequently played étude among the cycle of eighteen études composed by Hungarian-Austrian composer György Ligeti (1928–2006). The recurring rhythmic ostinato and the polyrhythmic structure are two major component that post great challenges not only to the listeners to perceive the rhythmic complexity, but also to the performers to coordinate bimanually. Therefore, a perceptual and performance-practice-based study is needed to establish a thorough understanding of rhythmic phenomena in the étude. From the perceptual perspective, the article aims to examine the characteristics of the rhythmic ostinato, and uncover its potential metric function. From the physical perspective, the examination of the perceptual issues of the polyrhythmic features leads to the discussion on kinetic patterns resulted by the polyrhythmic conflicts. Furthermore, rhythmic graph, which based on the elementary pulsation, should offer a visualization of the polyrhythmic structure, and serve as practice material for tackling the difficulties in bimanual coordination.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijmpa.v10n1a3