Accompaniment

The additional but subordinate music used to support a melodic line. In piano music, for example, the left hand often performs chords which serve as an accompaniment for the melody performed by the right hand. Similarly, a solo musician is often accompanied by a piano or an orchestra. Music that goes along with a more important part; often harmony or rhythmic patterns accompanying a melody. a vocal or instrumental part that supports the primary part, or provides background for a soloist