CONCERT IMPROVISATION and MALCOLM HILL
Malcolm Hill trained in Holland (under Cor Kee and later under his son Piet Kee) and Sweden in concert improvisation on the organ. He went on to be a finalist in the International Organ Improvisation contests in Nurnberg and Haarlem (twice), and among other things taught concert improvisation on the organ at the Royal Academy of Music in London (1985-95).
In addition to concert improvisations throughout u.k. and Europe, Malcolm’s improvisations have been broadcast in u.k., Holland, Germany and Hong Kong. Most of these improvisations lasted between 17 and 20 minutes, and were often strictly contrapuntal. Unlike many other concert improvisors, Malcolm Hill prefers not to have a “given theme” 20 minutes or so before the performance, but believes that with a thorough knowledge of forms and understanding of personal playing technique a concert improvisation might well sound far more immediate and interesting than that of a “prepared” performance. This, of course, is dependent on the performer’s knowing fully the capabilities and sonic problems of the particular organ.