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This is where most violinists give up. The PDF contains a solo part with double-stops in intervals of 13ths and 14ths. Your left hand will stretch to its absolute limit. Listen to the recording (recommended: Saschko Gawriloff with the Ensemble InterContemporain conducted by Pierre Boulez) while following the PDF. Notice how Ligeti writes "senza vibrato" (without vibrato) for the ghostly harmonics. Ligeti Violin Concerto Pdf
The concerto is famous for its "spectral" qualities and its use of scordatura. Ligeti instructs several members of the orchestra—specifically a violinist, a violist, and a cellist—to tune their strings to the natural harmonics of the double bass. This creates a haunting, "out-of-tune" shimmer that contrasts with the soloist’s traditional tuning. When you examine a PDF of the full score, you will notice: Disclaimer: Prices and availability are accurate as of 2025
