WHAT would be the collective noun for a group of accompanists? Having been fortunate enough to sing with the support of several, I would suggest 'an empathy'. Being a piano accompanist is an extraordinary skill, in which few excel and which is frequently overlooked or taken for granted. Malcolm Martineau, a renowned exponent of the art and artistic director of the annual Oxenfoord International Summer School for solo singers, was asked recently whether he had attended a 'wonderful recital' by a famous singer. 'Yes,' he replied, 'I was playing the piano.'
The term itself is often disputed, some preferring to call themselves collaborative pianists or song pianists, but the common denominator, the essential accomplishment, is to establish an empathetic connection with a singer, a shared musical understanding, and a commitment to communicate. Pianists talk of having a sixth sense, a connection to a singer's breathing that enables them to act as a musical safety net, anticipating problems before they occur, reacting seamlessly to a change in pace, in emotional intensity.
Mr Martineau is valued and admired by the many singers he has accompanied, from the world-famous-Bryn Terfel, Elina Garanca, Simon Keenlyside, Anna Netrebko-to college students, aspiring professionals and amateur enthusiasts, and takes genuine delight in working with singers of varying abilities.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tales as old as time
By appointing writers-in-residence to landscape locations, the National Trust is hoping to spark in us a new engagement with our ancient surroundings, finds Richard Smyth
Do the active farmer test
Farming is a profession, not a lifestyle choice’ and, therefore, the Budget is unfair
Night Thoughts by Howard Hodgkin
Charlotte Mullins comments on Moght Thoughts
SOS: save our wild salmon
Jane Wheatley examines the dire situation facing the king of fish
Into the deep
Beneath the crystal-clear, alien world of water lie the great piscean survivors of the Ice Age. The Lake District is a fish-spotter's paradise, reports John Lewis-Stempel
It's alive!
Living, burping and bubbling fermented masses of flour, yeast and water that spawn countless loaves—Emma Hughes charts the rise and rise) of sourdough starters
There's orange gold in them thar fields
A kitchen staple that is easily taken for granted, the carrot is actually an incredibly tricky customer to cultivate that could reduce a grown man to tears, says Sarah Todd
True blues
I HAVE been planting English bluebells. They grow in their millions in the beechwoods that surround us—but not in our own garden. They are, however, a protected species. The law is clear and uncompromising: ‘It is illegal to dig up bluebells or their bulbs from the wild, or to trade or sell wild bluebell bulbs and seeds.’ I have, therefore, had to buy them from a respectable bulb-merchant.
Oh so hip
Stay the hand that itches to deadhead spent roses and you can enjoy their glittering fruits instead, writes John Hoyland
A best kept secret
Oft-forgotten Rutland, England's smallest county, is a 'Notswold' haven deserving of more attention, finds Nicola Venning
