THE ELECTRONIC WORKS OF GYÖRGY LIGETI AND THEIR ...

Register
Apart from the aforementioned level/oblique opposition, the two-part division of
this region is emphasized by the continuation of Region E, which becomes more scattered
in register. Event 3a (51.9"-53.9") has a low-high-low contour, achieved by the switch to
level and narrower bands of noise. When taken together Event 3a fills the full spectrum of
the region, although its attacks call attention to different parts of the spectrum at different
points. Event 3b (53.9-56.7") accelerates the process, filling out the same spectrum
almost continually throughout the last 2.5 seconds of the Region. There are scattered,
clipped attacks throughout Event 3b which consist of diffuse noises of various widths
mixed with extremely rich compact spectra, which, are actually very similar to the noises.
After the low-high-low contour of 3a, the scattered attacks of 3b do not create as clear an
image as the previously mentioned contours, and in this regard, the second part of Region
E resembles the second part of Region D.
Rhythm and Durations
Region E’s rhythm also helps partition it into two subsections, resembling those of
Region D. The two glissandi (approximately 2 seconds each) are far longer than any of
the elements of Event 3. This can be seen in the spectrograph above (Figure 3.11). The
three elements of Event 3a last less than two seconds, Event 3b lasts for 2.8 seconds, and
consists of multiple, uncoordinated elements. This pattern is familiar from Event D, where
the longer elements of the beginning were essential to the recognition of the related
contours of Events 1 and 2, and the continuation lacked both the longer durations and the
clear contour relationships.
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