Why is it that the accompanist gets absolutely no credit?

Question: Why is it that the accompanist gets absolutely no credit!?

I understand that the soloists and people appreciate the work the piano player puts into the performance, but really - the audience doesn't ever tell the accompanist "good job" why is that!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I don't know but it's frustrating!. Sometimes I've accompanied a singer who screws up and and skips a bunch and noone notices cause I hid her mistakes!. I guess if it really bothers you, just be a soloist!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It's because of just that - you are the accompanist!. You are just the backup, while all the attention is focused on the soloist, whether that be a singer, guitarist, violinist, or whatever!.

Yet, the accompanist is still very important to making the music sound whole!.

Like you, I'm bothered by the fact that backup parts get little attention, and believe me, I know how that feels (I play viola and drumset - no attention at all :/)

So then I started learning guitar and singing, which are two more soloistic parts!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Being an accompanist is a behind-the-scenes kind of job, much like working stage crew for a theater show!. Believe me, if you'd done a horrid job, they'd have all noticed! The audience might not tell you "good job," but your soloist definitely should! And he/she probably should get you a small Thank You present, to boot!Www@QuestionHome@Com

its because its the accomp's job to do exactly that!. they're accompanying a soloist!. the attention is meant to be at the soloist not at the accomp!. the reason for a accomp!. is to complete the piece!. to make it sound like its not missing anything!. i've had an accomp mess up before!. its really just, the attention isn't supposed to be focused there!.Www@QuestionHome@Com