Donnerstag, 14. Dezember bis Samstag, 16. Dezember 2023
jeweils 19:00 Uhr
Perspectives on Improvisation
Improvisation in Word, Thought, and Action
mit Angélica Castelló · Michael Fischer · Susanna Gartmayer · Masimba Hwati · Maja Osojnik · Georg Vogel
Concept and moderation: Ivar Roban Križić
Improvisation as a mode of human action remains widely misunderstood. Western thought often likens improvisation to a haphazard solution which is marked by its temporality and instability. The ideal human action lies in the domain of control–the one who is in control of their abilities does not have to improvise. Although we might strive for control and stability, these notions usually turn out to be idealizations of our perceived reality–the world is not secure, and in that sense, it requires of us constant improvisatory inputs. Only if we accept the instability of our surroundings can we successfully navigate the treacherous and everchanging landscapes of reality.
We can observe two important aspects of improvisation which speak against the entrenched perception of the term:
- Improvisation comes as a result of a complex framework of preparation – In the context of art this includes both standardized knowledge and a broader perspective that attempts to direct consciousness at specific meta-levels of action.
- Improvisation involves rules – Improvisation is an action that is bound to a specific context. In that sense, as any action, improvisation necessitates a goal.
We can conclude that improvisation is another form of controlled action–a controlled loss of control. Successful improvisation necessitates high levels of rule-adaption and the possibility to continuously provide an answer for a series of unexpected contingencies. During the process of improvisation, the performer continuously shifts between flow states and reflective states, interacting both with their surroundings and their internal cognitive framework.
In the current Viennese art scene, a diversity of artistic practices can be observed that utilize improvisation as the primary method. From jazz to free improvisation and experimental electronic practices in music to various forms of contemporary dance, improvisation has been an essential part of Vienna’s art landscape for decades. The symposium Perspectives on Improvisation aims to provide a format that allows practitioners and protagonists from various fields to critically engage with the topic of improvisation.
In this sense, one of the main goals of this project is to promote a transdisciplinary discourse on improvisation, both to further develop the current Viennese improvisation scene in theory and artistic practice and to form new interaction networks.
Perspectives on Improvisation is planned as a three-day symposium that will take place from December 14th to 16th, 2023, at Vienna’s echoraum. The first part will be structured as an open performative lecture format from two artists, followed by a moderated discussion between the artists and the audience. The evening will conclude with a solo performance by each artist. With this format, we aim to show the fundamental preparatory structure of the respective artists and, through this process, demystify the art of improvisation for both the artists themselves and the participating audience.
Program
Thursday, December 14, 7pm: On Context
Susanna Gartmayer: Association for Experimental Improvised Music –
Monday Improvisers Session at Celeste
Maja Osojnik: to improvise means to learn to listen and learn to make meaning
Friday, December 15, 7pm: On Invention
Masimba Hwati: Argentina 1990
Georg Vogel: 31-tone Claviton – The Evolution of Tuning Systems and the Birth of an Instrument
Saturday, December 16, 7pm: On Structure
Michael Fischer: Instant Composition Conducting – A Praxis for Large Improvising Ensembles
Angélica Castelló: Two Distinct Worlds – Musical Composition and Improvisation
