In the Course of Performance : Studies in the World of Musical Improvisation (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology)

Rating:
Summary: fine set of essays
Review: An excellent set of articles on improvisation, with one on the psychology of improv, and articles on Gamelan, Arabic music, jazz, Cantonese opera, Latin dance, Hindustani music, children's games.

Improvisation is not the same everywhere. And there are differences from culture to culture, and performer to performer, in just how much of a performance is improvised. These essays address these and other issues.