By Dan Tepfer
Canonic
ImprovisationI got the idea for this exercise while
recording my recent album, Goldberg Variations/Variations. The canon is an ancient musical
device where one voice repeats what the other voice stated earlier. Bach makes
great use of it in his “Variations.” In Ex. 5, I apply this idea to my hands, with the left hand
repeating what my right hand played, an octave down. I’m taking liberties with
rhythm, but being precise about repeating the same notes and staying within the
harmony of the tune. (This requires thinking ahead.) You don’t often hear
canons in jazz, but improvising them is a fun way to increase your hand
independence.
Click on the image below to download the sheet music.
