Virtuoso in the Shadows

“Just an accompanist” is an epithet that stings. In fact, several centuries of composers have written “accompanying” parts that are the technical equal of the soloist - yet garner an iota of the praise. Not to mention having to “be an orchestra” at the drop of a hat. All turning a marriage of equals into a pressure-cooker of resentment…

Music by Strauss, Weber, Poulenc, Berg and Cheryl Frances-Hoad.

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Pianist Keval Shah explores some of the greatest chamber music and song repertoire - from a compelling and often overlooked viewpoint: that of the so-called 'accompanist'. He “flips” cherished vocal and chamber masterpieces by Brahms, Bach, Schubert, Britten and others - as we gain new insights into their musical genius.

In doing so, Keval explodes myths, challenges, cliches and reinvents the way we approach some of our most cherished masterpieces, whilst introducing listeners to new and exciting frontiers of music-making.

Above all, it’s personal: as listeners get “under the bonnet” of the music in a way that’s engaging, passionate and delivered by an acknowledged leader in their field: one of the world's leading collaborative pianists and Lecturer of Lieder at the Sibelius Academy in Finland.

Produced by Steven Rajam
An Overcoat Media Production