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improvisation

[im-prov-uh-zey-shuhn, im-pruh-vuh-] / ɪmˌprɒv əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌɪm prə və- /


Example Sentences

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After all, the two traditions share common qualities: a focus on improvisation; a practice of making complex and odd-metered rhythms sound easeful and organic; and the patience to let themes and forms unfold gradually.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 5, 2026

That’s still my favorite kind of recipe: one that knows exactly what it is while leaving plenty of room for improvisation.

From Salon Jul. 4, 2026

He well understood the city’s brightness, harshness, improvisation and fractured essence.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 18, 2026

Nearby, an 80-year-old woman named Chunubadi sat beside a repaired table fan held together with string and improvisation.

From BBC Jun. 1, 2026

It needed great powers of reasoning and improvisation.

From "1984" by George Orwell

The pianos are made in significant numbers, but each one requires the application of personalized craft; Mr. Payne’s photographs display Steinway employees with the technical virtuosity and artistic improvisations of fine musicians.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 25, 2026

His contrapuntal beats lend context to tenor saxophonist Billy Pierce’s abstract improvisations; his laid-back rim shots ground pianist Johnny O’Neal’s lyrical lines.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 15, 2025

Slattery was known and loved for his quick-witted improvisations on the popular Channel 4 show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, from 1988 onwards.

From BBC Jan. 14, 2025

She has performed live improvisations at L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the Louvre in Paris and elsewhere with choreographer Dimitri Chamblas, who interacts with Gordon as she unleashes driving patterns of distortion on guitar.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 25, 2024

For even more possibilities, try a web search for "exotic scales"; or try inventing your own scales and using them in compositions and improvisations.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones




Vocabulary lists containing improvisation


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