Soli Deo Sit Gloria Improvisation and the Sacred
Why did classical music lose improvisation — and why does it matter now?
For centuries, musicians were humble conduits, channeling timeless ideals through sacred work. But as the modern era elevated the performer to star status, improvisation quietly slipped away. Now, as string players explore jazz and beyond, a new generation is rediscovering improvisation—not as a gimmick, but as a vital bridge between art, science, and soul. Join me in exploring how reclaiming this lost skill could transform the classical music world forever.
An Improviser´s Perspective about the Era of the “Klangfarbe”
An Improviser’s Perspective about the Era of the “Klangfarbe”
Beethoven Re-branded.
Rebranding Beethoven?
In 2016, I was one of six composers selected by Cuarteto Casals for their ambitious Beethoven Illuminated Anew cycle. This monumental project features six performances pairing Beethoven’s complete string quartet repertoire with contemporary pieces.
For “my piece”, I was given an enviable level of creative freedom. The only condition? Keep it short (for classical music standards) and base it on the Beethoven quartet assigned to my program. I chose the Op. 74, affectionately known as the Harp Quartet.