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unaccompanied

unaccompanied

1 5.5
Sung or played without other instruments
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnəˈkʌmpənid/
  • Specialized
translation icon : a cappella
  • There are few sounds in life more beautiful than unaccompanied singing by children.
  • unaccompanied rehearsal
  • unaccompanied melody
  • unaccompanied choral

Examples

  • Unaccompanied music works best if you have a shortage of pianos or accompanists.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Because most choirs perform music that is at a level significantly higher than their reading level, the students' commitment to individual practice outside the rehearsal is essential to the success of the unaccompanied rehearsal.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Provide an unaccompanied instrumental melody and have each student take one idea from that melody and build another melody based on the idea.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Ultimately, however, the success of the unaccompanied choral rehearsal is highly dependent on the preparation of the conductor.

    Academic text (1998)
  • While the unaccompanied choral rehearsal has the power to create stronger, more independent singers, less advanced ensembles may not be ready for completely unaccompanied rehearsals.

    Academic text (1998)
  • The book comes with a CD of Ralph Kotay and his hymn class singing a variety of unaccompanied Kiowa hymns.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The choir performed an unaccompanied version of the classic hymn, showcasing their vocal harmonies beautifully.

  • During the festival, there was a captivating session of unaccompanied singing that left the audience in awe.

  • He often plays unaccompanied pieces on the guitar, allowing the melody to stand out on its own.

Synonyms

a cappella
vsunaccompanied
6 5.8

Sung by voices only without instruments

is used for any music, singing, or performance performed without accompaniment
musicless
vsunaccompanied
5.8

Without music playing, for example only speech or silence

is used for a performance specifically done without musical accompaniment

Antonyms

Performed with musical instruments or voices

With other people present, not alone

How Accompanied

orchestrated
  • Specialized
4.9
unaccompanied
  • Specialized
1 5.5

Surface Forms

unaccompanied positive

Morphology

unaccompanied = accompanied (transparent) = un + accompany + ed

The adjective is a straightforward negation: un- + 'accompanied' = not accompanied, which learners can infer if they know 'accompany/accompanied'.

Etymology

Unaccompanied is made of un- ('not') and accompany (to 'be with' or give 'company'), so in music it describes a voice or instrument that performs 'alone' without other instruments.