The Aesthetics of Improvisation

Abstract

In his chapter on musical improvisation, Andy Hamilton deals with the cultural aspects and historical practices of the subject. Hamilton sets out to explore the artistic status of improvised music, and this involves a discussion of the connection between imagination and art and the differences between composition and improvisation. These discussions provide a theoretical framework to outline and defend an aesthetics of imperfection as a contrast to an aesthetics of perfection. Finally, the artistic value of jazz as an improvised art form is discussed and Hamilton ponders whether jazz music should be described as art music or as a form of classical music.