L’appréciation esthétique de l’improvisation

Abstract

In this paper, I defend the idea that the way we listen to improvisation depends on the very ontological nature of improvisation. More specifically, I argue that improvisation calls for an intentionalist listening, by which the listener follows the improvisation as the creative process that it is. This listening attitude is made possible by the heightening of musical experience inherent to the improvisational situation and by the empathy linking the audience to the improvisers – both the consequences of improvisation’s ontological and temporal structure.