Negotiating a Shared Interpretation During Piano Duo Performance

Abstract

Most notated forms of music require interpretation of loosely-defined score instructions. For music ensembles, coordinating a shared interpretation in which each performer plays a complementary role can be challenging, especially if performers have already established their own individual interpretations. This study aimed to identify the patterns of behavior that distinguish performance in collaborative and solo conditions. We tested the hypothesis that highly skilled pianists would be motivated to create more expressively variable and divergent interpretations in the collaborative duet setting than when performing solo. Pianists recorded solo and duet performances of a new piece following individual rehearsal. MIDI and head motion data were assessed. Contrary to expectations, duet performances were less expressively variable than solo performances and no more or less prototypical; indeed, prototypicality increased with years of training. Leader–follower relationships in note timing emerged, with primos tending to take the lead. Pianists moved less during duet performances, and more smoothly. Coordination in head acceleration patterns also emerged during duet performances. Our findings show how performers’ intent to collaborate encourages more communicative styles of head movement and a conservative or protective style of playing that prioritizes coordination over creativity.