This memoir investigates the often-overlooked role of the piano accompanist in the world of classical music performance. Gerald Moore, a preeminent accompanist of the twentieth century, draws upon his decades of experience working with world-class vocalists and instrumentalists to argue that accompaniment is a distinct, collaborative art form requiring unique technical and psychological skills. He provides a detailed framework for how an accompanist must balance subservience to the soloist with the necessity of maintaining musical integrity and artistic presence.

Experts and musicians frequently cite this work as the definitive text on the art of accompaniment. Readers often note the wit and humility in Moore's prose, which makes the technical aspects of his profession accessible to both professional musicians and casual listeners.