Posted by David on May 18, 1999 at 21:42:15:
In Reply to: Re: Play with piano, where to sit? posted by Steve Drake on May 14, 1999 at 08:13:19:
Speaking as a pianist, I prefer the arrangement that you advocate. For good ensemble, the pianist needs to see bowing from time to time, which isn't visible when the cellist sits in the curve of the piano.
Singers are a different story. Since the pianist needs to see breathing, they go in the curve. Most singers like this arrangement and are comforted by being able to grip the corner of the flap folded back on the piano lid. Sometimes they grip the flap so tight their knuckles turn white.