David Dolan: Classical improvisation - context and impact on creativity in performance, communication, and expression. Are we waking up from the coma?

A Research Axis 3 (Cognition, perception, and movement) sponsored seminar. Free admission. No registration required.

David Dolan

Abstract

Up until the 20th century classical music performers used to improvise as an integral part of their performances both in terms of extemporising embellished and developed repeats, and preludes, interludes, eingangs, cadenzas and fantasies. Audiences used to expect the unexpected. This presentation will touch on that performance culture aspect, its decline and the hope that we are seeing a possible resurrection of it. 

By means of demonstrations, the presentation will touch on ways of fusing instincts and know-how in real time (state of flow and improvisation), how to apply this state of mind in repertoire performance (real-time structural awareness, and enhance active listening and communication between performers and listeners as well as between fellow performers (including musical telepathy). 

The last part of the presentation will share a research that was conducted between the Guildhall and Imperial college on the impact of improvisation. The research included three disciplines - neuroscience, psychological analysis and analysis of performance parameters of a live concert in which improvisation was present. 

http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/newsandeventspggrp/imperialcollege/newssummary/news_15-11-2013-12-21-22
A discussion about the link above will conclude the session. 

Biography

David Dolan has devoted a part of his career as a concert pianist, researcher and teacher, to the revival of the art of classical improvisation and its applications in performance. In his world-wide performances, he returns to the tradition of incorporating extemporisations within classical repertoire in embellished repeats, eingangs and cadenzas. He has performed solo recitals and chamber music concerts, as well as recording and live broadcasting for several radio and TV stations.

In response to this CD, “When Interpretation and Improvisation Get Together”, Yehudi Menuhin proclaimed: “David Dolan is giving new life to classical music.” 

David is a professor of classical improvisation and its application on solo and chamber music performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he is the head of the Centre for Creative Performance and Classical Improvisation. He also teaches at the Yehudi Menuhin School. He has been conducting masterclasses and workshops worldwide, including Paris and Geneva conservatoires, Tel-Aviv & Jerusalem academies, the Tchaikovsky Conservatoire (Moscow), the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, the New England Conservatory in Boston, the Julliard School, Verbier festival and others. David is an associate of Clare Hall, Cambridge University.

Past research projects examined links between emotional expression in speech and musical improvisation. Later research work focuses on creativity and expression in performance.