Willem Tanke

Combining the avant-garde and the historical in composition, improvisation and interpretation

The proposal is to make research into an innovative way of improvising on the piano, related to avant-jazz and Indian classical music, in order to rediscover a lost freedom that may also benefit the interpretation of organ works by J.S. Bach (and possibly other composers). Essential in this is developing a method for improvisation, which is related to the functioning of the musical device called sampler, avant-jazz and playing solos on a tabla. The process includes composing exercises, to serve as material ("samples") for the improvisation and develop pianistic skills. "Birdsong"-fragments from organ works by Olivier Messiaen will be treated in an entirely new context and also serve as material for the improvisation. Essential is also a constant feedback with the ancient organ on which the Bach recordings will be made and, possibly, a pianoforte.

Website of Willem Tanke