The complete collaborator

Take more than 40 years of partnering celebrated soloists in concerts all over the world, add nearly 30 years of teaching the art of accompanying, and you have the qualifications for such an audacious title as The Complete Collaborator. All the tools for understanding and executing first-class collaborative piano are here, paired with audio recordings of many of the musical examples performed by the author himself, along with two vocalists, on a companion website. The obvious topics -- breathing, languages, flexibility, and creating a collaborative atmosphere -- discussed at length and articulated clearly for the curious novice, will prove beneficial for even the experienced professional. In addition, two significant chapters deal with orchestral accompaniment, reflecting today's requirements for any professional accompanist. Oft-neglected details such as beginning a piece together, telling stories with piano solos, tuning, and balance between the players are also covered. Dubbed the "Dean of Accompanists" by the Los Angeles Times, Martin Katz, a teacher of sold-out master classes, presents his material clearly and incisively but always with the humor and wit for which he is known. Whether the reader is a curious novice, an amateur who wants to accompany as best he can, or an experienced professional seeking confirmation or a new look at the role of any partner, The Complete Collaborator is all one needs. - Jacket flap.