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unaccompanied

unaccompanied

2 5.5
Sung or played without other instruments
  • adjective
  • /ˌʌnəˈkʌmpənid/
  • Specialized
: 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
11 5.8

Sung by voices only without instruments

is used for any music, singing, or performance performed without accompaniment
musicless
vsunaccompanied
1 5.8

Without music playing, for example only speech or silence

is used for a performance specifically done without musical accompaniment

Antonyms

33 3.7

With other people present, not alone

3 4.4

Performed with musical instruments or voices

How Accompanied

orchestrated
  • Specialized
3 4.9
accompanied
3 4.4
unaccompanied
  • Specialized
2 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.