In music and in life, when someone makes a creative choice “in the moment” its called improvising. Join host Liz Lyon as we explore ways composers and musicians have played with improvising in their music.

Johann Sebastian Bach: Musical Offering Ricercar a 3 — Bach was well known for his improvising skill. This piece was composed through the use of improvisation and was based on a musical theme.

LISTEN — Johann Sebastian Bach: Musical Offering Ricercar a 3

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Allegretto - Variation — Mozart was skilled at composing music on the spot. He would improvise pieces in public. For example, he closed the premiere of his Prague Symphony with a half-hour improvisation.

LISTEN — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Allegretto - Variation

Gabriela Montero: Improvisation No. 2 — Gabriela Montero is a Venezuelan pianist known best for her real-time improvisation of complex musical themes and pieces suggested by her audiences during live performances.

LISTEN — Gabriela Montero: Improvisation No. 2

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