countermelody
/ˈkaʊntərˌmɛlədi/
noun
- A secondary melody played or sung at the same time as the main melody, often to create harmony or contrast.
- The composer wrote a gentle countermelody for the cello to weave beneath the violin's lead.
- In the choir piece, the sopranos sang the main tune while the altos added a beautiful countermelody.
- Jazz musicians often improvise a countermelody to complement the main theme.