RABR Analysis - Rating Degrees of Openness in Experimental Repertory

"Openness" in experimental music is an imprecise notion. Works may be characterised according to Random Access and Broadness. The first describes whether, and how much, elements may be played independently of a fixed sequence. The second, how much latitude can exist in the interpretation of individual elements, if they can be discerned. Analysis of works by Chr. Wolff, Shiba Tetsu, Haubenstock-Ramati, Stockhausen, Peter Schuback, Henrik Ehland Rasmussen and Miles Davis exemplify different degrees, and combinations, of RA and BR. Even though a number of works may be "flexible" in ways that fall outside the scope of this method, it is hoped that it can contribute to an easier, and more differentiated, overview of the repertory in question.