The Journey of Improvisational Music: Seeking Freedom and Emotional Escape

Improv musicians embark on a quest for an inner connection to the vast and vibrant musical universe, both within and without. For me, playing the piano in an improvisational setting is not about 'playing' but rather 'allowing' the music to play me. This process is both magical and liberating, leading me on a journey of emotional exploration and discovery.

Inner Connection and Freedom

What resonates deeply with me is the unbridled sense of freedom in improvisation. I am not bound by strict compositions, theory, or predefined measures. Instead, I aim to create a channel through which inspiration can flow to personify the infinite and individualize the vast expanse of sound that is the musical universe.

As Matti Paalanen suggests, the process begins with a spark. The first notes decide the direction and feeling—emotions and intuitions that guide the rest of the performance. The flow of inspiration and the natural progression of the music take precedence over conscious decision-making.

Intuition and Emotion

Imagine the complexity of playing the piano; if every muscle movement had to be constantly considered, it would be impossible to react fluidly. Instead, intuition emerges, allowing for a natural and organic expression of emotion and feeling. Matti Paalanen describes this process as intuitive and responsive, illustrating that “the first notes decide the emotion and feeling, [and] you follow the intuition and feeling that the music creates.”

This approach to improvisation is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It is not about having the perfect notes but capturing the essence of the moment, allowing each note to build upon the previous one in a continuous flow.

Comparisons to Other Creative Arts

One can draw comparisons between improvisation and other forms of creative expression, such as modern dance or painting. Just as a dancer or painter follows a spontaneous flow of creativity, the improvisational pianist lets the music unfold organically.

Consider the process of creating a dance routine or a painting—the artist does not stifle their creativity by overthinking every move or stroke. Similarly, the improvisational musician waits for the music to resonate within and then allows it to guide the performance.

Personal Experience

For me, the process of improvising piano tunes is a magical experience. Each recording is a unique and unpredictable journey. I do not know what I will come up with beforehand, but the first notes often set the tone and direction. I follow the intuition and emotions that the music itself evokes, attempting to select the ‘right’ notes after each one.

What makes this process particularly enriching is the revelation of something new: something I’ve never heard before. It is in this unpredictability that the true beauty and depth of improvisation lie.

Conclusion

Improv musicians seek an escape from the mundane and the freedom to explore new emotional territories. Through the act of improvisation, we create a connection with the vast musical universe, allowing for both instrumental and emotional journeys. Each note, each chord, and each movement is an encounter with the infinite.