An Analysis of Periodic Rhythmic Structures in the Music of Steve Reich and György Ligeti

The compositions of Steve Reich and György Ligeti both contain periodic rhythmic structures. Although periods are not usually easily perceived, the listener may perceive their combinations in a hierarchy of rhythmic structures. This document is an attempt to develop an analytical method that can account for this hierarchy in periodic music. I begin with an overview of the features of Reich's and Ligeti's music that contribute to the property of periodicity. I follow with a discussion of the music and writings of Olivier Messiaen as a precedent for the periodic structures in the music of Reich and Ligeti. I continue by consulting the writings of the Israeli musicologist Simha Arom and describing the usefulness of his ideas and terminology in the development of my method. I explain the working process and terminology of the analytical method, and then I apply it to Reich's Six Pianos and Ligeti's Désordre.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of North Texas

Year dc:date

2002

Author dc:creator

• Isgitt, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dworak, Paul E., 1951-
• Groom-Thornton, Joan
• Klein, Joseph, 1962-

• Rhythm.
• Reich, Steve, 1936- Six pianos.
• Ligeti, György, 1923-2006. Etudes, piano, book 1. Désordre.
• rhythmic structures
• periodicity
• hierarchy
• music

Statement dc:rights

• Public
• Copyright
• Isgitt, David
• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

oclc: 50852612
https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc3245/
ark: ark:/67531/metadc3245

OAI identifier oai:identifier

info:ark/67531/metadc3245