Forum week 12

Once again the ideas of improvisation have graced the EMU. In what context is it possible within electronic music? Is it in fact instantaneous composition or are the two terms polar opposites?

Notation seems to be to blame for the absence of improvisation in contemporary classical music as it progressed the control over the music by the composer became more absolute leaving little room for interpretation.

In India the whole basis of their music is learning the technical proficiency of their instrument for improvisation. I have fond memories of jamming with DR. C Sardeshmukh last year and appreciate the Indian classical music tradition.

But is improvising composing. In my opinion it is. It's just a matter of choice of whether you decide to document what you improvise so you can recreate the music. In this sense is the improvisation the final composition though, when there is the opportunity to alter the documented piece. Ultimately that is a matter of choice.

Various examples of improvisational groups where presented to us to portray how improvisation occurs under various context. I feel the only real way to understand improvisation though is to do it.

As interesting as some of the music presented to us were, my experience actually being involved in improvisation, whether it was before I started my uni life or during the many sessions we had last year was invaluable. I feel there is a certain level of letting go whilst improvising in which you truly tap into a greater source of inspiration and learn to communicate that with your fellow improvisers. This seems to closely resemble ‘Sun Ra’s’ ideas that were presented to us. Of course comparing your ideas to someone who believes they are from out of space or simply calls themselves ‘Sun-Ra’ in the first place does not reflect well upon your argument, but I stand by it.

Pic References
Moore, Thurston. Space is the place. film review by plexifilm. 1997 http://www.plexifilm.com/images/media/sunra.jpg (1 June 2007).

Reference

Whittington, Steven. “Forum – Week 12 – Composition vs. Improvisation.” Workshop presented at EMU space, Level 5 Schultz building, University of Adelaide, 31st May, 2007.

Harris, David. “Forum – Week 12 – Composition vs. Improvisation.” Workshop presented at EMU space, Level 5 Schultz building, University of Adelaide, 31st May, 2007.