Marvin Minsky Improvises a Fugue

Prof Marvin Minsky, who conceived Artificial Intelligence, is known for making computers do things we didn't think possible. But his greatest effects are on People – who under his influence do things WE didn't know were possible. Many piano students don't realize that centuries ago, Bach and others IMPROVISED the kinds of baroque fugues and classical pieces we learn by reading today. Delightfully, Marvin improvises classical music every chance he gets, inspiring every musician who hears him to expand their vision and apply the open sensibility we take for granted in jazz and blues, to classical and romantic styles. Here as he plays at home on you can see him hesitate, finding the right voice or maybe which finger to add, or deciding major not minor, and we in effect reverse-engineer the kinds of pieces we used to think of as static monoliths.

So upon seeing Marvin play, musicians are forever changed, and in Marvin's circle, classical improvisors abound. Brilliant Bernie Greenberg would create Bach like chorales on the spot. I began introducing classical idioms in my jazz piano improvisation. Everybody is smarter, more curious, and more inspired after meeting Marvin.