Meaning: The quote "Yes, fractals are what I want to find in my music" by Gyorgy Ligeti, a prominent composer, reflects his fascination with the concept of fractals and their potential application in music composition. Gyorgy Ligeti was a Hungarian composer known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach to music. His interest in fractals highlights the intersection of art and science, as well as his desire to explore new ways of creating and understanding music.

Fractals are complex geometric shapes that can be split into parts, each of which is a reduced-scale copy of the whole. They exhibit self-similarity, meaning that at every level of magnification, the shape looks similar or identical to the whole. This concept has been widely studied in mathematics and has found applications in various fields, including art, architecture, and nature.

In the context of music, Ligeti's interest in fractals suggests a desire to incorporate the self-similar and recursive properties of fractals into his compositions. This could manifest in the repetition of motifs at different scales, the use of recursive structures, or the creation of intricate, layered musical patterns that echo the complexity of fractal geometry.

Ligeti's exploration of fractals in music aligns with the broader trend of composers and artists seeking inspiration from scientific concepts and natural phenomena. The use of fractal-like structures in music can lead to compositions that are rich in detail, yet exhibit a sense of coherence and unity across different scales. This approach challenges traditional notions of musical form and structure, opening up new possibilities for sonic expression and exploration.

One of Ligeti's most famous compositions, "Artikulation," exemplifies his innovative approach to music and his interest in exploring unconventional soundscapes. The piece features intricate textures and layers of sound that create a sense of complexity and depth, reminiscent of the intricate patterns found in fractal geometry. Ligeti's use of unconventional notation and avant-garde techniques further demonstrates his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional musical language and embrace new, abstract forms of expression.

In addition to Ligeti, other composers and musicians have also been drawn to the concept of fractals in music. For example, the composer and computer music pioneer, Iannis Xenakis, incorporated mathematical and geometric principles, including fractals, into his compositions. Xenakis' use of stochastic processes and algorithmic composition reflects a similar interest in exploring the mathematical underpinnings of music and sound.

Contemporary composers and electronic musicians have also embraced the concept of fractals, using computer algorithms and digital tools to create music that exhibits fractal-like properties. Through the use of generative algorithms and interactive systems, composers can create music that evolves over time, exhibiting self-similar patterns and structures that echo the complexity of fractal geometry.

In conclusion, Gyorgy Ligeti's quote "Yes, fractals are what I want to find in my music" reflects his forward-thinking approach to music composition and his interest in exploring the intersection of art and science. By expressing a desire to incorporate fractals into his music, Ligeti sought to create compositions that exhibit self-similarity, complexity, and depth, echoing the intricate patterns found in fractal geometry. His exploration of fractals in music aligns with the broader trend of composers seeking inspiration from scientific concepts and natural phenomena, and his innovative approach continues to influence and inspire composers and musicians today.