If anyone's interested in hearing the two improvs done for the AGO improv competition in Minneapolis, here they are! I was one of 5 chosen to compete at the convention this year after passing the tape round; unfortunately I was not able to travel to the convention.</p>
A little explanation - we came in and set up all the equipment, powered up the organ etc. first, and then I was ushered into a room far away from any musical instruments. I was then given two sheets of paper, each with a theme in treble clef. The first turned out to be the hymn tune Von Himmel Hoch, and the second was a free theme. I had 30 minutes to study the themes. The hymn tune had to be in the form of a chorale and variation, and you had to make up the harmonization for the chorale. All registrations done on the fly. I decided to use mainly the first couple bars as the basis and structured it in this order:</p>
I. Chorale
II. Scherzo
III. (slow movementy thing)
IV. Final and Chorale reprise
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The free movement turned out to be 16 bars of straight quarter notes with a couple half notes thrown in, so it was kind of a challenge making something out of that. </p>
Disclaimer/warning/flame bait: This recording makes use of digitally-reproduced stops. Listen at your own risk!!

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