Pianist Matteo Bogazzi explains what his job — pianista collaboratore (collaborating pianist) is all about, and how he got there. The interview took place during a chamber music festival and summer course in Lucca, where he was working.

Sometimes the accompanist has to follow the soloist's musical intentions, but at other times, when the musician is not very experienced, the accompanist needs to guide the soloist and make the best of a potentially tricky musical situation. This depends on the musical and technical level of the soloist, as well as the experience and maturity of the accompanist.

Matteo tells us how fundamental it is to know the entire score, not just one's own part, in order to best interpret a piece. For him, music is above all education in listening: to the composer, to other musicians, and to oneself. Playing together thus becomes an experience of growth and mutual care, even before it becomes artistic.