Perspectives on Improvisation

mit Charlotta Ruth · Thomas Grill · Olivia de Prato · Daniel Riegler · Maria Gstättner · Peter Herbert

Improvisation is essential. We improvise in music, dance, writing, cooking, research, and comedy. In fact, we improvise in every aspect of our lives. In this sense, improvisation is not purely an artistic act but a fundamental mode of human action and interaction. Structured behavior is the exception; we structure so that we can improvise. Structure provides guidance, aiding in the creation of improvised material. The late Jeff Pressing referred to this structure as a „referent.“

Some modes of expression, such as classical music or architecture, rely on a vast collection of referents. Others, like free improvisation, aim to break free from any connection to a referent. However, all forms of expression require some degree of improvisation. Complete freedom is as illusory as a complete lack of structure. Even when we remove any external referent, we still operate within a certain domain—we are still human, with memories, associations, and dreams. Ultimately, we ourselves become the referent that structures our improvisation.

The presence or absence of a referent can help us understand the nuances of different domains in which improvisation is used. This is why jazz differs from free improvisation, which differs from contemporary dance, research, pedagogy, and so on. Observing these various domains reveals a common thread that transcends context and aesthetic markers–an approach to improvisation that is not confined to any one practice.

The festival “Perspectives on Improvisation” aims to explore this common thread and uncover the shared elements across diverse practices. From December 5th to 7th, 2024, at Vienna’s echoraum, a group of artists will present both discursive and artistic insights into their specific practices, ranging from electro-acoustic music and dance to artistic research, new music, free improvisation, and pedagogy.

Program

Thursday, December 5, 7pm: On Research
Charlotta Ruth: Question Space
Thomas Grill: Dirty Spaces

Friday, December 6, 7pm: On New Music
Olivia De Prato: Improvisation Inspired by the Environment and Field Recordings
Daniel Riegler: The Sound of Studio Dan

Saturday, December 7, 7pm: On Pedagogy
Maria Gstättner: Opening, Holding and Letting Go of Spaces
Peter Herbert: How Did I Learn/Study and Possibly Teach (Can One??) Free Improv