The Provisional Nature of Perception

Hamlet: Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel?
Polonius: By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed.
Hamlet: Methinks it is like a weasel.
Polonius: It is backed like a weasel.
Hamlet: Or like a whale.
Polonius: Very like a whale.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2

This passage represents for me the fundamental inconstancy of reality, the temporary nature and pointlessness of perception. Shakespearean humour reveals a tenacious criticism of certainties, in the sciences as well as in the arts.

In our way of making music, improvised, as present as possible and unrepeatable, we wanted to propose and share this vision of a world in constant creation, an ever ephemeral reality. To trust in a fixed reality is not to notice that what we take for granted has already ceased to be what it was.

The project explored the different levels of interaction, of probabilities and of freedoms, that can be experienced in three configurations: solo, trio and large ensemble. It was my Master's recital in improvisation at the Hochschule für Musik FHNW in Basel, presented in two concerts at Attacca, the Academy's festival for contemporary music.