Ep. 31 | How Classical Pianists Can Improvise Like Bach — John Mortensen Explains the Lost Art

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In this episode (June 2018) of the HMA Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. John Mortensen — Steinway Artist, Fulbright Specialist, and one of the world’s leading figures in the international revival of classical improvisation.

Dr. Mortensen is renowned for his ability to improvise entire concerts in historical styles — including Baroque fugues, toccatas, partimenti-based music, and full classical forms. His forthcoming book with Oxford University Press, The Pianist’s Guide to Classical Improvisation, is set to be one of the most important pedagogical works of our time.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore:
• Why improvisation was central to the training of 18th-century musicians
• Why classical musicians today struggle to improvise
• How rule of the octave, figured bass, and schemata actually work
• How beginners can start improvising in classical styles
• Why “genius culture” killed improvisation
• Modern applications and his European teaching tour
• The future of tonal improvisation for concert pianists

If you care about partimento, historical improvisation, fugues, or the revival of authentic classical musicianship — this episode is essential listening.

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro & Dr. John Mortensen’s background
1:39 – “Raised by wolves” – his uneven early piano training
3:52 – When he truly fell in love with music
11:52 – How he got into classical improvisation
18:58 – Figured bass & Rule of the Octave explained simply
24:34 – Why the bass line is the most important voice
28:58 – Genius culture and how improvisation disappeared
31:31 – Turning concerts into a game: audience-chosen keys
36:29 – How his book teaches classical pianists to improvise
45:20 – Partimento & schemata for real-world improvisers
51:48 – Who to listen to & what his students achieved in 2 months
53:30 – European tour reactions & the future of classical improvisation