Études pour piano, Livre 3

The final four études for solo piano, composed between 1995 and 2001 as Ligeti's health declined. Ligeti had originally planned at least six études for the third book but only four were completed. The book represents a marked stylistic shift toward introspection, economy, and a kind of fragile radiance: three of the four études are built on strict canon, and white-key diatonic materials dominate. White on White (No. 15) uses exclusively white keys in both hands; Canon (No. 18), the cycle's concluding piece, weaves jubilant interlocking canonic voices. Pour Irina (No. 16) is a lyrical, expansive slow étude unique in the cycle; À bout de souffle (No. 17), named after the Godard film, sustains a manic polyrhythmic energy before a abrupt slow coda. The last two études end unresolved, as Ligeti wrote: \"asking questions but offering no answers.\" Published by Schott Music, 2002. NOTE: Non-public domain. Publisher: Schott Music. Not available on IMSLP.