One might wonder what could possibly link Bach to Jazz …. ? Improvisation!

Improvisation and  Classical Music:

Today we tend to forget the great composer-performers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were also fabulous improvisers. Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, for example, improvised capriccios, fantasies, variation sets and even multi-movement sonatas on the spur of the moment, delighting their audiences.

Jazz:

Jazz inherited a passion for improvisation not only from its folk afro-american roots but also from its Classical antecedents. George Gershwin understood well the improvisatorial links between these musical universes, creating compositions in which both enter into playful dialogue and merge. Such is the case with his most celebrated Rhapsody in Blue.

Improvisation: Norman Beedie

In this fascinating discussion and recital, Norman Beedie (Lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow) explores the art of improvisation and musical freedom in Classical and Early Romantic Music, revealing its long-forgotten secrets and making surprising links between the works of Leighton, Scarlatti, Benda, Mozart, Gershwin and Enescu. Professor Beedie will collaborate with Dr. Michael Tsalka in performing a four-hand version of the “Rhapsody in Blue.”

This exciting event is organized by the Geelvinck Fortepiano Festival, in collaboration with Amsterdam World Jazz City 2014.

Moderator: Bas van Bommel

Moderator of this vibrating evening at Museum Geelvinck, is Bas van Bommel, pianist, music reviewer and initiator of the famous (former) discussion forum Winfried Salon.

Also attending are:
– Andrew Meyer (musicologist)

Please note: in this discussion forum English will be the main language.

Program Recital

Leighton – Scarlatti – Benda – Mozart – Enescu – Gershwin

Norman Beedie-Primo, Michael Tsalka-Secondo