The Improvisation of Poetry, 1750 – 1850
A database of commentaries on improvisational performance
The anonymous critic gives a brief history of some of the best known improvisers in Italy, both men and women. He also describes some of the tricks they used to make their work appear more improvised than it was.
A detailed review of Antonio Bandocci’s well-received performance at the imperial court in Vienna, where he improvised on six themes in different verse-forms and was rewarded by the emperor with a diamond ring. An ottavo stanza from his improvised poem on “The Death of Count Ugolino” is included.
The improvisatore Bindocci successfully improvised an ode in praise of the king at Vienna, the Italian text of which is recorded in the article.
Bindocci’s last performance in Vienna before a small but select audience receives a very favourable review, despite the fact that a severe cold caused the improvisatore to declaim his improvised poems rather than singing them, as usual, to piano accompaniment.
In an encyclopedia entry on improvisers and improvisation, Wolff provides a discussion of the relation between the development of the art of improvisation and the geography and spirit of each nation. He also provides a brief history of improvisation and mentions some of the most important contemporary improvisers.