摘要:This paper explores the characteristics and impacts of adopting an improvisatory approach to the performance of classical chamber music. Improvisatory approaches to the classical repertoire, once widespread, are now rare in contemporary professional performance practice and so there are few opportunities to study it. This study attempts to fill a gap in knowledge by obtaining data during a live professional concert performed by a chamber trio. Each of five pieces was performed twice, with and without the adoption of an improvisatory approach. The contrasting timing and dynamic features of the two performances were analysed, differential audience response was measured by questionnaire, and synchronised comparative EEG analyses were undertaken on data from all three performers and two audience members. Audience members rated the improvised performances more improvisatory in character, more innovative in approach, more emotionally engaging, more musically convincing, and more risk-taking than the non-improvised (regular) performance