> This is a point I really don't understand: I know
> there are pianists that for whatever reason play too
> loud, but do so many singers have to work with that
> kind of pianists
First of all, not all great solo pianists make collaborators (or, if you
don't mind the term, which might offend some - accompanists). I guess this
is just a fact of life and one learns to find the pianists who are easy to
work with, as a singer.
There are also a couple of things that can be done to balance out
pianist and singer. Lowering the lid of a grand piano, or even putting it
on a half stick helps to quiet the sound. In some cases, using the una
corda (left) pedal also helps, depending on the mood/text of the piece.
> Is it so difficult to play soft, are most pianists
> such egotists, do they lack the right training, or
> should they just try to smile and enjoy?
I suppose some pianists might have a "soloist" kind of ego, but then
again, all people on earth are different!!
In terms of lacking the right training - yes, many do. Nowadays though,
many college/conservatory programs offer courses in piano accompaniment, or
if you will, collaborative piano. I know the university here does, with a
very accomplished teacher as well. It IS an art to accompany - not any
decent pianist can do it off the bat!! It takes experience, and time. And
then again, every singer is different, and therefore presents new challenges
to the pianist. I know b/c I've been on the other side of that fence too,
trying to follow a singer.
Here's another thought though - I've had a pianist who didn't play loud
enough!!! Now I have a fairly small voice - certainly should not be hard to
play louder than I can sing! But it is also frustrating if the pianist
isn't doing his/her share and giving enough support to the singer, or if the
pianist is playing all the right notes, but half-heartedly, all at a MP the
entire time. Still... maybe i'd rather have a quieter pianist than one who
drowns me out... but it is something to think about, and both situations are
very difficult.
Fiona
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