Composer

:

György Ligeti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1988 - 1994

Average_duration

:

5:00

György Ligeti's "Etudes, Book 2 No. 13 L'escalier du Diable" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1988. It premiered on October 22, 1995, in Paris, France, performed by Pierre-Laurent Aimard. The piece is part of Ligeti's second book of etudes, which he composed between 1985 and 1994. The etudes are a series of virtuosic piano pieces that explore various technical and musical challenges. "L'escalier du Diable" is the thirteenth and final etude in the second book. The title of the piece translates to "The Devil's Staircase," which refers to a mathematical concept known as the Cantor set. The Cantor set is a fractal that is created by repeatedly removing the middle third of a line segment. The resulting shape has a self-similar structure and is often used as a visual representation of infinity. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the Cantor set. The first movement is marked "Molto vivace, capriccioso," and is characterized by rapid, staccato notes that create a sense of frenetic energy. The second movement, marked "Andante con moto, rubato," is more lyrical and contemplative, with a flowing melody that is interrupted by sudden bursts of dissonance. The final movement, marked "Presto luminoso," is the most technically demanding of the three, with complex rhythms and intricate patterns that require a high level of virtuosity. Overall, "L'escalier du Diable" is a challenging and complex piece that showcases Ligeti's innovative approach to composition. By drawing inspiration from mathematical concepts and exploring new techniques for the piano, Ligeti created a work that is both intellectually stimulating and musically engaging.

More....