What does "gestural music" emphasize in performance?

Gestural music emphasizes movement and physical expression in performance. This approach highlights how the physical gestures of the musician or performer can convey meaning, emotion, and nuance, enhancing the overall musical experience. Performers engage their bodies to express musical ideas and feelings, often moving in ways that reflect the rhythm and dynamics of the music. This promotes a deeper connection between the performer and the audience, as the visual elements of music can have a profound impact on how the music is interpreted and felt.

While improvisation and spontaneity, precision of notes played, and complex vocal techniques are important aspects of music performance, they don't specifically capture the essence of gestural music. Such music is fundamentally about the physicality and expressive capabilities of the performer, anchoring the listener's experience in visual and kinetic aspects rather than solely focusing on the auditory components.