Begleitformen

Begleitformen, literally “accompaniment forms,” is a term used in music theory to describe recurring patterns and figuration that accompany a melody in Western tonal music. Begleitformen cover a range of realizations on keyboard, guitar, or other instruments, from simple chordal support to more elaborate broken-chord patterns and rhythmic figures. They help establish harmony, rhythm, and mood and can vary in complexity depending on the musical context.

The main categories include chordal accompaniment (block chords played on or between beats to support the melody), arpeggiated or broken-chord accompaniment (patterns that distribute the chords across notes, such as arpeggios or the classic Alberti bass in the left hand), and more specialized patterns like ostinato bass lines, rhythmic ostinatos, and cross-rhythms. Alberti bass, a famous example, uses a repeating low-high-mid-high pattern to outline harmony in the bass. In many works, the distinction between accompaniment and texture is fluid, with patterns sometimes functioning as both harmonic support and rhythmic drive.

Historically, Begleitformen have evolved from the Baroque basso continuo and thoroughbass realizations to Classical and Romantic piano writing, where the left hand often carries the primary accompaniment while the right hand may elaborate the melody. In song (Lied) and chamber music, the piano or keyboard part frequently provides the essential accompaniment texture, shaping form and expression.

Notation and realization vary by practice. In early music, figured bass indicated possible harmonies to be realized by the performer. In modern editions, Begleitformen are typically shown as explicit left-hand patterns, chords, or arpeggios, sometimes with performance practice notes to guide stylistic realization.