ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Maria Reich asks what role improvisation has played in European classical music since the baroque era. She develops the hypothesis that various elements led to its gradual disappearance. To do so, she illustrates the prominence improvisation had in different epochs, as well as the musical and social changes that influenced improvisational practice. The chapter also discusses different theoretical aspects of improvisation in light of contemporary improvisational practices. This is followed by a concluding analysis of possible impacts improvisation could have on current forms of classical concerts.
