Hochkeppel posits that the piano part in sonatas, art songs (Lieder), and chamber music is rarely mere background filler; it is an integral voice that often carries the emotional weight, harmonic structure, and rhythmic pulse of the piece.
So, what are the key qualities of a complete collaborator? Here are a few: the complete collaborator the pianist as partner pdf
For vocal collaborators, Hochkeppel dedicates significant attention to the physiology of singing. A pianist cannot successfully accompany a singer without understanding the necessity of breath. The pianist must learn to "breathe" with the singer. This translates to lifting phrases together and allowing space for the vocal line to resonate, ensuring the piano does not suffocate the voice but rather floats beneath it. Hochkeppel posits that the piano part in sonatas,