Freedom for Novelty and Risk

A good performance uses a framework of knowledge. But within that framework there's freedom. Jos van Veldhoven, Artistic Director of the Netherlands Bach Society.

Why is it that some folks are "born" rebels, especially many associated with the arts? A smile comes when I think about this because, in part it's brain related. According to Eric Jensen, the brain rises to challenges and novelty -- too little challenge leads to boredom. So it's not surprising that musicians or artists take foundational works or techniques from a master and put thier footprints on them in innovative ways. Similarly, businesses that cultivate a climate of freedom where they value novelty and risk will likely be successful in tomorrow's marketplace. What does a culture of innovation look like?

As Mr. van Veldhoven appoached Bach's B minor Mass, he did so with the idea that attempts to replicate authenticity stifles "flexibility and sense of spontaneity." No matter if its philosophy, science, education, or business, rules often surface within knowledge frameworks, for the purpose of keeping them "pure." While there's a fine line in going over the edge, many people delight in fresh approaches.

For instance, in a New York Times interview, van Veldhoven said he uses few singers in the choral parts of this Mass, which gives the whole work a very different feel. "I'm very interested in facts," says this Artistic Director, "but I don't want to be a conservator and do exactly what Bach did."

Consider van Veldhoven's approach as you think about where your business is headed..."So many musicians are trained to think of the composer as God, who had the truth in his pen -- one single truth, and only one. The composer isn't God. He's a friend you can talk to." Thoughts...