Kokle Improvisation | Laima Jansone | TEDxRiga

This performance was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences.
Laima Jansone is an accomplished Latvian traditional kokle player, especially gifted in the demanding art of improvisation. She interprets traditional kokle in her own signature, which combines swiftness and haste with calmness and a sense of insight. Something of a surprise and a touch of adventure is always in the air for both the listener and the musician.

(Kokle music)

(Kokle music ends)

Ladies and gentlemen,

today you will experience
a very special moment.

Moment of creation.

We will improvise for you

and we will put together
three forms of arts.

Everyone has worked for many years

in their own field,

like contemporary dance,
visual arts and music.

I have played kokles
for really many years,

and to express myself
I find that improvisation

is very, very important for me.

Improvisation for me
is a moment of the unknown.

It's like in real life.

You can never know
what exactly will happen.

But you can always respond.

You can support others.

You can support other artists.

Or you can ignore them, but don't forget

that ignoring also
is some kind of reaction.

(Kokle playing)

(Kokle playing stops)

(Applause)