9-2 Accompaniment Explained

Key Concepts

Accompaniment in music refers to the supporting parts that accompany the main melody or voice. Key concepts include:

• Harmony: The chords and notes that support the melody, creating a sense of stability and richness.
• Rhythm: The pattern of beats and accents that provide the underlying pulse and movement.
• Texture: The way different layers of sound interact, such as homophonic (melody with chords) or polyphonic (multiple independent lines).
• Dynamics: The variation in loudness and softness that adds expression and contrast.
• Form: The structure of the accompaniment, which can vary depending on the style and genre of the music.

Harmony

Harmony in accompaniment involves the use of chords and notes that support the melody. This creates a sense of completeness and richness in the music.

Example: In a classical piano piece, the left hand often plays the harmony (chords) while the right hand plays the melody. This creates a balanced and full sound.

Rhythm

Rhythm in accompaniment provides the underlying pulse and movement. It can be simple or complex, depending on the style of the music.

Example: In a jazz piece, the rhythm section (bass and drums) provides a steady, syncopated rhythm that supports the improvisational nature of the melody.

Texture

Texture refers to the way different layers of sound interact in the accompaniment. It can be homophonic (melody with chords) or polyphonic (multiple independent lines).

Example: In a baroque piece, the accompaniment might be polyphonic, with multiple independent lines weaving in and out of each other, creating a complex and rich texture.

Dynamics

Dynamics in accompaniment involve the variation in loudness and softness. This adds expression and contrast, making the music more engaging.

Example: In a romantic song, the accompaniment might start softly and gradually build to a loud climax, then fade back to soft, creating a dramatic effect.

Form

Form in accompaniment refers to the structure of the supporting parts. This can vary depending on the style and genre of the music.

Example: In a pop song, the accompaniment might follow a simple verse-chorus form, with the same chords and rhythm pattern repeated throughout the song.

Analogies

Think of harmony as the foundation of a building, providing stability and support. Rhythm is like the heartbeat, giving the music its pulse and movement.

Texture is like the fabric of a garment, with different layers creating a rich and varied design. Dynamics are the emotions expressed in the story, ranging from calm to intense.

Form is the plot structure, guiding the listener through the narrative. By understanding these elements, you can create effective and engaging accompaniments.