Research Catalogue

Case study of Drugo More in relation towards the practice of Fatos Ustek and Bek Berger

At this time of exception, in these extra-ordinary times there seems to be no limit to the limit: Once an extreme, excessive and acute experience, the limit has become an all-inclusive, continuous condition that coincides with a lack of language and other forms of expression and connection. Aiming to collaboratively inhabit and investigate this border experience, the objective of this project is to create contemporary vocabularies and related contextualizations of/for/at the limit. In order to do so, the project’s design for 36 months will develop 3 arts-based research programs exploring 3 select limit-experiences: The Unknown, The Beyond, The Abyss. Each of the interrelated programs includes a score of 5 formats: banquet, symposium, exhibition, podcast and performance collaborations with Saint Genet, Tianzhuo Chen and Marina Abramović.

Situated in the vast space between rigidly notated music and the realm of open improvisation, this research—embodied through a large ensemble for which I have written and conducted music—navigates the intersection of these two worlds in search of a sweet spot between fixed composition and creative spontaneity. Rather than treating the score as a static framework, the composition is approached as a living, evolving entity, where performers, conductor, and technology collaboratively shape the music in real-time. Throughout rehearsals and performances, musicians make interpretive choices, respond to cues from the conductor and their peers, and engage with interactive electronic elements, fostering an ongoing, dynamic dialogue. This process illuminates how variables such as individual interpretation, conductor influence, and rehearsal time can open new avenues for expression, allowing the written score to transcend its traditional boundaries. By embracing this fluidity and exchange, embodied through the term Comprovisation, the composition is continuously transformed, deepening the connection between musicians and the work, and unlocking new possibilities for artistic expression. Through some of my musical pieces as examples we will analyze how this experimental creative process was shaped.

Media scores—expansion of musical notation that incorporate other modalities, particularly enabling interactive and generative elements—have reshaped the relationships between composer, score, and performer. This essay examines nine distinct attributes of the media score that differentiate it from traditional notation. Through historical and contemporary examples, the discussion highlights how these attributes manifest in various artistic practices. Additionally, the author's own compositions are cited, with particular focus on Mutability, a large-scale collaborative project that highlights many of the elements discussed in the paper.

A work that explores the possibilities of creating hybrid genres on the drum kit to achieve a personal artistic expression. From experimenting with different groove combinations and rhythmical structures to developing concrete practice methods for limb independence, Fred establishes a way to mix electronic and Brazilian rhythms on the drum set. As the work deepens, he continues to explore the hybrid expressions through improvisation, composing and ensemble playing. With the purpose of connecting the otherwise loose threads of a peculiar musical background, he seeks new ways to approach the drum kit to create a united sound that reflects his earlier musical journeys within the electronic and Brazilian traditions.


Denne nettsiden dokumenterer refleksjonsarbeid fra det kunstneriske utviklingsprosjektet Improvisasjon som møtepunkt i en intermedial kontekst (INTERIMP) – et samarbeidsprosjekt mellom Norges musikkhøgskole (NMH) og Balletthøgskolen ved Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo (KHiO), med ekstern finansiering fra det nasjonale Program for kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid/Prosjektprogrammet (2012–2015). Prosjektdeltakere har vært musikerne Lisa Dillan, Sidsel Endresen (2012–2014) og Ivar Grydeland (alle NMH), og danserne Siri Jøntvedt, Cecilie Lindeman Steen og Ingunn Rimestad (alle KHiO). Formålet med prosjektet har vært å undersøke og øke bevisstheten rundt prosesser og problemstillinger som oppstår når improviserende dansere og musikere møtes på gulvet. Aktiviteten i prosjektet har bestått av arbeid på gulvet og arbeid på møterommet, og det har vært en gjensidig og kontinuerlig veksling mellom disse fasene. Utprøvinger og tester på gulvet har informert diskusjonene på møterommet, som igjen har generert nye utprøvinger og tester på gulvet.

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Dokumentasjonen av prosjektet ble opprinnelig gjort på en dedikert nettside. Den er nå flyttet til Research Catalogue for å bedre sikkerhet og distribusjon.