Improvisation
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
| Revision as of 20:58, 25 June 2023 Jahsonic (Talk | contribs) ← Previous diff |
Current revision Jahsonic (Talk | contribs) (→See also) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| + | [[Image:A Party of Charlatans in an Italian Landscape is a painting by Karel Dujardin in the Louvre..jpg|thumb|right|200px|''[[A Party of Charlatans in an Italian Landscape]]'' (1657) by Karel Dujardin]] | ||
| {| class="toccolours" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" | {| class="toccolours" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:30em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5" | ||
| | style="text-align: left;" | | | style="text-align: left;" | | ||
| - | "Anyway, arising from an [[Improvisation|improvisatory]] beginning (both tragedy and comedy—tragedy from the leaders of the [[dithyramb]], and comedy from the leaders of the [[phallic processions]] which even now continue as a custom in many of our cities)..."--''[[Poetics (Aristotle)|Poetics]]'', Aristotle | + | "To freely [[Improvisation|improvise]] a solo within a structural context may have begun with a young [[Louis Armstrong]] in the early 20's."--"[[Top Ten Free Jazz Underground]]" (1995) by Thurston Moore |
| + | <hr> | ||
| + | "[[Motherfucking cocksucker motherfucking shit fucker what am I doing?]]"--''I Heart Huckabees'' by (2004) | ||
| + | |||
| + | <hr> | ||
| + | "Anyway, arising from an [[Improvisation|improvisatory]] beginning (both tragedy and comedy—tragedy from the leaders of the [[dithyramb]], and comedy from the leaders of the [[phallic processions]] which even now continue as a custom in many of our cities)..."--''[[Poetics (Aristotle)|Poetics]]'' by Aristotle | ||
| |} | |} | ||
| {{Template}} | {{Template}} | ||
| - | '''Improvisation''' is the practice of [[making]] in the moment and in response to the stimulus of one's immediate environment. This can result in the [[invention]] of new thought patterns, new practices, new structures or symbols, and/or new ways to act. This ''invention cycle'' occurs most effectively when the practitioner has a thorough ''[[intuitive]]'' or ''technical'' understanding of the necessary skills and concerns within the improvised domain. | + | '''Improvisation''', often shortened to '''improv''', is the [[activity]] of [[making]] or [[doing]] something not [[planned]] beforehand, using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the [[performing arts]] is a very [[spontaneous]] [[performance]] without specific or [[scripted]] [[preparation]]. The [[skills]] of improvisation can apply to many different faculties, across all artistic, scientific, physical, cognitive, academic, and non-academic disciplines. |
| - | The skills of improvisation can apply to many different abilities or forms of communication and expression across all artistic, scientific, physical, cognitive, academic, and non-academic disciplines. For example, [[music]], [[cooking]], presenting a [[speech (public address)|speech]], [[sales]], personal or romantic relationships, [[sports]], [[flower arranging]], [[martial arts]], [[psychotherapy]], [[the arts]], and much more. | + | Improvisation also exists outside the arts. Improvisation in engineering is to solve a problem with the tools and materials immediately at hand. [[Improvised weapon]]s are often used by guerrillas, insurgents and criminals. |
| - | ===Music=== | + | |
| + | ==Music== | ||
| + | :''[[free improv]]'' | ||
| [[Musical improvisation]] is usually defined as the [[spontaneous]] performance of music without previous preparation or any written notes. In other words, the art of improvisation can be understood as composing music "on the fly". There have been experiments by Charles Limb, using [[functional magnetic resonance imaging]], that show the brain activity during musical improvisation. Limb showed increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is an area associated with an increase in self-expression. Further, there was decreased activity in the [[lateral prefrontal cortex]], which is an area associated with self-monitoring. This change in activity is thought to reduce the inhibitions that normally prevent individuals from taking risks and improvising. | [[Musical improvisation]] is usually defined as the [[spontaneous]] performance of music without previous preparation or any written notes. In other words, the art of improvisation can be understood as composing music "on the fly". There have been experiments by Charles Limb, using [[functional magnetic resonance imaging]], that show the brain activity during musical improvisation. Limb showed increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is an area associated with an increase in self-expression. Further, there was decreased activity in the [[lateral prefrontal cortex]], which is an area associated with self-monitoring. This change in activity is thought to reduce the inhibitions that normally prevent individuals from taking risks and improvising. | ||
| Improvisation can take place as a solo performance, or interdependently in an ensemble with other players. When done well, it often elicits gratifying emotional responses from the audience. One notable improvisational pianist is [[Franz Liszt]]. The origins of Liszt's improvisation in an earlier tradition of playing variations on a theme were mastered and epitomized by [[Johann Sebastian Bach]], [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]], and [[Ludwig van Beethoven]]. | Improvisation can take place as a solo performance, or interdependently in an ensemble with other players. When done well, it often elicits gratifying emotional responses from the audience. One notable improvisational pianist is [[Franz Liszt]]. The origins of Liszt's improvisation in an earlier tradition of playing variations on a theme were mastered and epitomized by [[Johann Sebastian Bach]], [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]], and [[Ludwig van Beethoven]]. | ||
| - | Notable improvisational musicians from the modern era include [[Keith Jarrett]], an improvisational jazz pianist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed many improvised concerts all over the world; [[W. A. Mathieu]] a.k.a. William Allaudin Mathieu, the musical director for [[The Second City]] in Chicago, the first ongoing improvisational theatre troupe in the United States, and later musical director for another improv theatre, [[The Committee (improv group)|The Committee]], an offshoot of The Second City in San Francisco; [[Derek Bailey (guitarist)|Derek Bailey]], an improvisational guitarist; and [[Eugene Friesen]], an improvisational cellist. | + | Notable improvisational musicians from the modern era include [[Keith Jarrett]], an improvisational jazz pianist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed many improvised concerts all over the world. |
| Improvised [[freestyle rap]] is commonly practiced as a part of [[rappers]]' creative processes, as a "finished product" for release on recordings (when the improvisation is judged good enough), as a spiritual event, as a means of verbal combat in [[battle rap]], and, simply, for fun. As mentioned above, studies have suggested that improvisation allows a musician to relax the control filters in their mind during this exercise. It often incorporates insults similar to those in the African-American game [[The Dozens]], and complex rhythmic and sometimes melodic forms comparable to those heard in jazz improvisation. | Improvised [[freestyle rap]] is commonly practiced as a part of [[rappers]]' creative processes, as a "finished product" for release on recordings (when the improvisation is judged good enough), as a spiritual event, as a means of verbal combat in [[battle rap]], and, simply, for fun. As mentioned above, studies have suggested that improvisation allows a musician to relax the control filters in their mind during this exercise. It often incorporates insults similar to those in the African-American game [[The Dozens]], and complex rhythmic and sometimes melodic forms comparable to those heard in jazz improvisation. | ||
| - | In the realm of [[silent film]] music, there are a small number of musicians whose work has been recognized as exceptional by critics, scholars and audiences alike; these include [[Neil Brand]] and John Sweeney, among others who are all performers at the [[Pordenone Silent Film Festival]] in Italy. Their performances must match the style and pacing of those films which they accompany and the knowledge of a wide range of musical styles is required, as well as the stamina to play for films which occasionally run more than three hours, without a pause. | + | In the realm of [[silent film]] music, there are a small number of musicians whose work has been recognized as exceptional by critics, scholars and audiences alike; these include [[Neil Brand]] and John Sweeney. Their performances must match the style and pacing of those films which they accompany and the knowledge of a wide range of musical styles is required, as well as the stamina to play for films which occasionally run more than three hours, without a pause. |
| ==Wiktionary== | ==Wiktionary== | ||
| Line 26: | Line 34: | ||
| # Musical technique, characteristic of blues music. | # Musical technique, characteristic of blues music. | ||
| # The act of [[improvise|improvising]], acting or going about something without planning ahead | # The act of [[improvise|improvising]], acting or going about something without planning ahead | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Performing arts== | ||
| + | Improvisation can be thought of as an "on the spot" or "off the cuff" spontaneous moment of sudden [[inventiveness]] that can just come to mind, body and spirit as an inspiration. [[Viola Spolin]] created [[theater games]] as a method of training improvisational acting. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Dance== | ||
| + | [[Dance improvisation]] as a [[choreography|choreographic]] tool: Improvisation is used as a choreographic tool in [[dance composition]]. Experimenting with the concepts of shape, space, time, and energy while moving without inhibition or cognitive thinking can create unique and innovative movement designs, spatial configuration, dynamics, and unpredictable rhythms. Improvisation without inhibition allows the choreographer to connect to their deepest creative self, which in turn clears the way for pure invention. This cognitive inhibition is similar to the inhibition described by Limb for musical improvisation, which can be found in the music section above. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Writing== | ||
| + | Improvisational writing is an exercise that imposes limitations on a writer such as a time limit, word limit, a specific topic, or rules on what can be written. This forces the writer to work within [[stream of consciousness (narrative mode)|stream of consciousness]] and write without judgment of the work they produce. This technique is used for a variety of reasons, such as to bypass [[writer's block]], improve creativity, strengthen one's writing instinct and enhance one's flexibility in writing. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some improvisational writing is collaborative, focusing on an almost [[dadaist]] form of [[collaborative fiction]]. | ||
| == See also == | == See also == | ||
| + | * [[Jam session]] | ||
| * [[Commedia dell'arte]] | * [[Commedia dell'arte]] | ||
| + | * [[Flow (psychology)]] | ||
| * [[Improvisational theatre]] | * [[Improvisational theatre]] | ||
| + | * [[Intuition]] | ||
| * [[Musical improvisation]] | * [[Musical improvisation]] | ||
| * [[Facilitation]] | * [[Facilitation]] | ||
| - | + | * [[Language interpretation]] | |
| + | * [[Live performance]] | ||
| + | * [[Rehearsal]] | ||
| + | * [[Scripted]] | ||
| + | * [[Scat singing]] | ||
| + | * [[Speaking in tongues]] | ||
| + | * [[Theatre games]] | ||
| {{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} | ||
Current revision
|
"To freely improvise a solo within a structural context may have begun with a young Louis Armstrong in the early 20's."--"Top Ten Free Jazz Underground" (1995) by Thurston Moore "Motherfucking cocksucker motherfucking shit fucker what am I doing?"--I Heart Huckabees by (2004) "Anyway, arising from an improvisatory beginning (both tragedy and comedy—tragedy from the leaders of the dithyramb, and comedy from the leaders of the phallic processions which even now continue as a custom in many of our cities)..."--Poetics by Aristotle |
|
Related e |
|
Featured: |
Improvisation, often shortened to improv, is the activity of making or doing something not planned beforehand, using whatever can be found. Improvisation in the performing arts is a very spontaneous performance without specific or scripted preparation. The skills of improvisation can apply to many different faculties, across all artistic, scientific, physical, cognitive, academic, and non-academic disciplines.
Improvisation also exists outside the arts. Improvisation in engineering is to solve a problem with the tools and materials immediately at hand. Improvised weapons are often used by guerrillas, insurgents and criminals.
Contents |
Music
Musical improvisation is usually defined as the spontaneous performance of music without previous preparation or any written notes. In other words, the art of improvisation can be understood as composing music "on the fly". There have been experiments by Charles Limb, using functional magnetic resonance imaging, that show the brain activity during musical improvisation. Limb showed increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, which is an area associated with an increase in self-expression. Further, there was decreased activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex, which is an area associated with self-monitoring. This change in activity is thought to reduce the inhibitions that normally prevent individuals from taking risks and improvising.
Improvisation can take place as a solo performance, or interdependently in an ensemble with other players. When done well, it often elicits gratifying emotional responses from the audience. One notable improvisational pianist is Franz Liszt. The origins of Liszt's improvisation in an earlier tradition of playing variations on a theme were mastered and epitomized by Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Notable improvisational musicians from the modern era include Keith Jarrett, an improvisational jazz pianist and multi-instrumentalist who has performed many improvised concerts all over the world.
Improvised freestyle rap is commonly practiced as a part of rappers' creative processes, as a "finished product" for release on recordings (when the improvisation is judged good enough), as a spiritual event, as a means of verbal combat in battle rap, and, simply, for fun. As mentioned above, studies have suggested that improvisation allows a musician to relax the control filters in their mind during this exercise. It often incorporates insults similar to those in the African-American game The Dozens, and complex rhythmic and sometimes melodic forms comparable to those heard in jazz improvisation.
In the realm of silent film music, there are a small number of musicians whose work has been recognized as exceptional by critics, scholars and audiences alike; these include Neil Brand and John Sweeney. Their performances must match the style and pacing of those films which they accompany and the knowledge of a wide range of musical styles is required, as well as the stamina to play for films which occasionally run more than three hours, without a pause.
Wiktionary
- The act or art of composing and making music, poetry, and the like, extemporaneously
- He played a quick improvisation on the keyboard.
- That which is improvised; an impromptu.
- Musical technique, characteristic of blues music.
- The act of improvising, acting or going about something without planning ahead
Performing arts
Improvisation can be thought of as an "on the spot" or "off the cuff" spontaneous moment of sudden inventiveness that can just come to mind, body and spirit as an inspiration. Viola Spolin created theater games as a method of training improvisational acting.
Dance
Dance improvisation as a choreographic tool: Improvisation is used as a choreographic tool in dance composition. Experimenting with the concepts of shape, space, time, and energy while moving without inhibition or cognitive thinking can create unique and innovative movement designs, spatial configuration, dynamics, and unpredictable rhythms. Improvisation without inhibition allows the choreographer to connect to their deepest creative self, which in turn clears the way for pure invention. This cognitive inhibition is similar to the inhibition described by Limb for musical improvisation, which can be found in the music section above.
Writing
Improvisational writing is an exercise that imposes limitations on a writer such as a time limit, word limit, a specific topic, or rules on what can be written. This forces the writer to work within stream of consciousness and write without judgment of the work they produce. This technique is used for a variety of reasons, such as to bypass writer's block, improve creativity, strengthen one's writing instinct and enhance one's flexibility in writing.
Some improvisational writing is collaborative, focusing on an almost dadaist form of collaborative fiction.
See also
- Jam session
- Commedia dell'arte
- Flow (psychology)
- Improvisational theatre
- Intuition
- Musical improvisation
- Facilitation
- Language interpretation
- Live performance
- Rehearsal
- Scripted
- Scat singing
- Speaking in tongues
- Theatre games
