Thomas, P and Payne, E orcid.org/0000-0003-2109-8126 (2020) “We also like to be surprised”: Disruption, provocation and surprise in the music of Christian Wolff. Circuit: Musiques contemporaines, 30 (2). pp. 27-45. ISSN 1183-1693
Abstract
This article explores the ways in which the music of experimental composer Christian Wolff engenders surprise through processes of disruption and provocation. The contexts under examination are: scores which employ cueing strategies; improvisatory pieces; ensemble pieces; pieces for solo piano; and Wolff’s practice as an improvising musician. These case studies show how Wolff’s music occupies a particular position between improvisation and composition. In examining the space that Wolff’s music opens up for contingency and play, and in adopting a view of indeterminacy as understood through performance rather than limited by its notation, the article puts forward a view of indeterminacy grounded in sociality. More broadly, in its contribution to the body of literature investigating the role of notation in improvisation practices, the article invites a reconsideration of the ontological understandings of composition, improvisation, and performance.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Christian Wolff; Indeterminacy; Improvisation; Performance; Surprise |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Music (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 01 May 2020 13:22 |
Last Modified: | 05 Nov 2020 16:28 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Circuit, musiques contemporaines |
Identification Number: | 10.7202/1071119ar |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:160076 |