Syllabus ScheduleAudioScoresReadings

Music 230

Seminar in the Music of György Ligeti

This seminar will be centered on studies of Ligeti’s works throughout his career, from 1946 to 2001, as well as the social, political and cultural contexts of those works. We will look at the composer’s life and writings as both goad to and reflection of the state of European Art music in the late twentieth century. I’ve assigned some contextual reading that will, I hope, touch on those areas. Nearly all of Ligeti's ouevre is available as streaming audio, with the complete recorded CD edition (Sony Classical and Teldec) on reserve at the arts media library, along with many scores. You won’t be able to study it all, but I hope that you listen to it, and to some of the music of his peers, in order to gain the widest possible understanding of the man (and there is nary a weak work in the oeuvre, so I hope you enjoy it!).

The assigned readings, listening and analysis corresponds to the chronological period and general topic of the week’s seminar.

Participation (20%): Part of your course grade will be based on class participation. This includes not only your presence but your preparation: come ready to discuss the required readings, listening and analysis for the class, engage in constructive critiques of them and contextualize your readings and response to the music in relation to broader themes.
You will lead or co-lead at least one class discussion. The presentation should be a response to the readings and not a summary. The substance of the presentation will also include a one-page précis (200-400 words) to be posted to the entire class at least 24 hours before the seminar. Think of this précis as a summary of critical thoughts that arise during your reading.

Analysis Assignments (30%): There will be six guided analyses of one piece or movement (the score, audio and questions will be online). I will ask several questions about the structure of the piece; if it is addressed by one of our readings, feel free to summarize or take issue with the writer’s view of the work. You are encouraged to email me the result, but you may want to bring your answers to class for further discussion.

Class Presentation (15%): Everyone will present a brief (10-15”) presentation on their research paper during the final two weeks of class.

Research Paper (35%): You will complete a research paper on a topic you choose that must be related to the course content. The paper is due June 11, 2019, and should be approximately ca. 3000 words, with musical illustrations where appropriate. A one-page typed prospectus of your research topic will be due before May 7, 2019. The content need not be an analytic paper, nor even focused on the music of Ligeti; it may concern the music of his contemporaries or a critical/historical issue encountered during the quarter. You may also choose to critique published literature on Ligeti’s music, especially where two or more authors have discussed the same work or topic.


Recommended reading

(LR indicates on reserve at Langson Library Reserves)

Biographical and Historical

Work Studies

(See me for additional background material in German, Swedish, Italian, or French)