When to bow as an accompanist

[illusionary]

So I've got a concert in a cou

[iansinclair]

Kind of a brief text, there...

but if I take the heading of the post to be the question in question -- the answer is very very simple.  If, and only if, and when, and only when, the person whom you are accompanying gestures to you to take a bow.  It's their party.

[phillip21]

I agree with the previous reply.  Any instrumentalist with good stagecraft should be quick to acknowledge their accompanist (or, better, collaborative pianist), who may well have had something much harder to play then them - and maybe no choice in the repertoire performed!

When I am playing for individual pieces for young students at festivals or competitions they often forget, and in that situation - where it is all about them - as a hired hand I usually smile at the audience if I am acknowledged at all.

[quantum]

It would be wise to work this out with the soloist before the concert. 

There is nothing wrong with just standing there facing the audience.  Large ensembles and orchestras sometimes do this in order to acknowledge the applause.  Stand without bowing. 

You could also agree to bow together. 

FWIW, I know of universities that forbid the use of the term "accompanist."  Students are instructed to refer to such people as pianists when working on their juries and recitals. 

***

Although not completely synonymous with your situation, here's an anecdote about bows.  One of my colleagues was seeking out new music for a concert.  They contacted the composer, acquired the manuscripts, learned the music.  When it came to the actual concert the pianist took a bow after the performance, then walked off stage without ever acknowledging the presence of the composer in the audience.  Don't be that musician!  I remember being in the audience and feeling pretty disgusted with the actions of said pianist. 

[illusionary]

Really sorry about the cut-off text! Posting on a phone is not a good idea... I wanted to mention that because I'm playing a sonata for oboe and piano, a concerto accompaniment, and a short solo song, so I'm not sure between the three of them what I should do - bit of a trivial question, I know, but I just don't want to appear disrespectful etc.! Thanks

[iansinclair]

Nor a trivial question at all.  This is part of stagecraft and, like it or not, is quite important!

On the sonata for oboe and piano, you and your oboist are approximately equal; I would definitely talk this over with your oboist and figure out exactly how and when you are going to rise and acknowledge the audience with her or him.  On the concerto accompaniment -- as I said before, if, and only if, and when, and only when, the leader of the group acknowledges you.  Assuming that there is a leader.  Otherwise, if the rest of the group is planning to rise as one without a real signal, you should enquire but I would be inclined to consider myself part of the group, and follow along with them.  On the solo song -- solo?  You are not accompanying anyone?  If the audience is applauding, get up and acknowledge them with a bow!

[nanabush]

When you're playing Erlkonig lol

As mentioned above, if the piece is well divided across the instruments (one example that comes to mind is the Beethoven Spring Sonata), or if it's a "work for two instruments" rather than "solo with accompaniment", then it could warrant a bow from both players.  I've accompanied a bunch of vocalists during studio classes, and that's more of a "next!" kind of feel because there are so many... in that case, it would be a little strange if I bowed after every piece.