From Duo to Quartet : Improvisational and compositional methods in three different settings

The purpose of this project is to use different improvisational and compositional methods to compose music for a duo, trio, and a quartet. The goal is to explore the possibilities of each setting regarding the different improvisational methods and if it has an impact on decision making as an improviser. One of the factors of changing the setting is the possibilities of the various roles of each musician in each arrangement. The combination of the ensembles: Duo: Tenor saxophone and drums. Trio: Tenor saxophone, drums, and bass. Quartet: Tenor saxophone, drums, bass, and guitar. Three improvisational methods will be compared to each other: Improvisation through a melody, without written chords. Improvisation over a traditional form: Melody – solos over written chords – melody. Collective improvisation. Compositional methods: Open arrangements. Using the main instrument to compose. There will be a discussion about the different roles of the musicians in each setting and how the roles may affect the arrangements in various ways. One of the factors is to avoid the common roles as an accompanist and a melody instrumentalist in each setting. Two of the settings do not include a chord instrument and that will lead to a certain role for me as a saxophonist along with the different roles of the rhythm section. There were six rehearsals planned in total, followed by an examination concert in Nathan Milsteinsalen, Kungl. Musikhögskolan on February 23rd.Björgvin Ragnar Hjálmarsson - TenorsaxofonBjarni Már Ingólfsson - GitarrJohan Tengholm - KontrabasHenrik Jäderberg - Trummor