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3. Allegro con Spirito

György Ligeti

What's this piece like?
The beginning of the 1950s marks a turning-point in György Ligeti's early career. At that time, Ligeti had become disappointed regarding his rather marginal position in Hungarian musical life, and he might well have felt some dissatisfaction with his own artistic output, as well. He then set himself certain compositional tasks, and imposed restrictions on pitch content, intervals, and rhythms 'as if to build up a "new music" from nothing'. His collection called Musica Ricercata was the first fruit of his experimental project and marked a renewal of Ligeti's musical creative output. The third piece in this set makes use of only 3 notes: C, E and G (with the E alternating between flat and natural). This is remarkable given that the piece is imbued with extraordinary energy and a variety of gestures, shapes, and colors.
Who's this piece for?
Great piece for advanced pianists who want to expand their repertoire and learn more about the music of Ligeti.
Ranking
Equivalent to RCM level 8
This piece is beyond all ABRSM levels
Equivalent to Suzuki book 7
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György Ligeti was born

Beginning of the composer’s lifetime.

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This piece
Allegro con Spirito was composed

György Ligeti was 30 years old

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György Ligeti died

End of the composer’s lifetime.

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