Any part or parts (chords, other harmonic units) that attend or support the voices or instruments that carry the principal part or parts in a composition. For example, in a popular song, the melody is the principal or main part and the chords that accompany it the secondary or supporting one. Accompaniments can be added to a composition by some other person than its original composer. In modern classical music, accompaniment transcends its traditional supporting role and becomes an integral part of the entire composition.