Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Accompanist

Accompanist. The performer in music who takes the accompanying part. One who accompanies, or plays the accompaniment to any piece of music for the voice. A person who undertakes to play an accompaniment should be a skilful musician, and ought perfectly to understand the music ; he must possess a quick ear and good taste, or he will mar the beauties of the music. As he will have the pitch to sustain, he must restrike firmly any notes where the voice falters. There should never be any attempt at display, except in the symphony.