This was a tense thread, until it softened up a little.
musicteach! You did get bounced, but that's okay, I like pom-pom action myself.
As far as I know, Beethoven, or his generation, were the last conductors to improvise piano solos onstage,
for symphonies.
People tell me they can see how my mind works when I'm playing, a nice compliment.
The best improvistations occur when a chord framework is being played through, as a band,
and it grows as an expression every time you go through it.
The as-yet-untitled Frederik Magle sent me a nice message about improvising,
after I asked about it, surprised to see him say some organ parts come at you after you set them up,
not an immediate thing.
The way he described his playing made this sound very attractive, almost like a reward,
even if you're still working to progress the music.
Please be forewarned: While I'm still working on my guitar, and two song parts, for a first video here,
now I want to begin, in all respect, with a piano improvisation.
I might be able to do that tomorrow.
JHC! I agree with you. Keyboardists can improvise on an orchestral level, having bass, chords and single notes all at once.
Instruments of single notes need a song framework, or in key rhythm, to work around.
Except musicteach. He has musicians marching around in formation to create his sound. Outside. In the hot sun.
Running in from rain. Parading down hot city streets. Maybe tossing wooden rifles and flags through the air.
No. I'm not making this up.