Composing and Improvising. In Real Time

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of my keynote address discussing the differences between real-time composition (RTC) and improvisation. A definition of real-time composition is presented, as well as a summary discussion of its theoretical framework. Finally, a comparison between RTC and improvisation is done taking into account Richard Ashley’s discussion of improvisation from a psychological perspective [1], which provides an interesting insight in this distinction. RTC is then redefined as improvised composition with computers, and the possibilities of RTC existing outside of computer music are also briefly addressed.