" With human beings it could be argued that all music-making is, in essence, grounded in improvisation. "
- John Burnside

The quote suggests that at the core of music-making by humans lies a fundamental reliance on improvisation. This implies that even when musicians follow established compositions, they often incorporate spontaneous creativity and flexibility to breathe life into their performances.

Exploring the deeper meaning of this statement reveals several interesting perspectives. Firstly, it underscores the intrinsic nature of human expression in music as inherently unpredictable and adaptable. Musicians constantly engage with their instruments or voices in a way that allows for real-time decision-making and creative exploration beyond just following set notes or rhythms. This dynamic interaction is what makes live performances unique and engaging for audiences. Furthermore, this view challenges traditional notions of structured composition by highlighting the importance of spontaneous creation in musical expression.

John Burnside is an acclaimed Scottish writer known for his poetry, essays, and novels. His work often explores themes such as nature, spirituality, and existential questions, reflecting a deep philosophical contemplation on human experiences and creativity.