Course 1

Improvisation by Prof. Inger-Lise Ulsrud

Dates: July 20-24 (1st week)

Description
How to start improvising?
This improvisation course introduces useful step-by-step improvisation models, from initial small attempts to gradually larger forms of improvisation, such as hymn preludes, accompanying movements, pre- and postludes, and music during communion. These models help students to progress and stimulate their imagination and desire to continue. The aim is to develop and vary improvisation skills on the organ, for example to contribute to a richer liturgical performance and to be able to vary musical expression.
The course is intended for organists with limited experience as well as those with more experience in organ improvisation.

This course can not be combined with:
[1a] Organ repertoire by Johann Sebastian Bach (Havinga)
[1b] Organ repertoire by Louis Vierne and Charles-Marie Widor (Van Oosten)

(1c)

About Inger-Lise Ulsrud
Inger-Lise Ulsrud received her education from the Norwegian Academy of Music, Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt am Main, Stockholm (organ improvisation), and Düsseldorf (Messiaen).
Inger-Lise Ulsrud is professor of organ and organ improvisation at the Norwegian Academy of Music and head organist at Uranienborg Church in Oslo. In addition to her extensive concert engagements in Russia and throughout Europe, she offers regular master classes in Norway and abroad.
She has contributed to a number of recordings and her solo album releases include Olivier Messiaen: Early Organ Works and Meditatio, two organ cycles of Kjell Mørk Karlsen.
Ulsrud was a member of the Chorale Book Committee in connection with the publication of the Norwegian Hymnal in 2013. She has been a board member of the Oslo International Church Music Festival, a jury member at the Royal Swedish Academy of Music, for the Oslo Organ Festival, and at other international organ competitions. She was the artistic director of the Bodø International Organ Festival in 2020-21.
For number of years she has been head of the Department of Church Music at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
Her organ improvisation textbook "Confessions of an Improviser" was published in 2018.