noun
traditional Japanese musical accompaniment; orchestra for noh/kabuki; festival band
Refers to the ensemble providing rhythmic and melodic accompaniment in traditional performing arts like noh, kabuki, and festivals. Can also mean the music itself or the musicians.
能楽の囃子は笛と太鼓で構成される。
The musical accompaniment in Noh consists of flutes and drums.
祭りでは、囃子の音が町中に響
During the festival, the sound of the traditional band echoes through the town.
伴奏 is a general term for musical accompaniment in any genre, while 囃子 specifically refers to traditional Japanese ensembles for noh, kabuki, and festivals.
Derived from the verb 囃す (はやす, 'to play accompaniment, to cheer'). The noun form 囃子 refers to the resulting music or ensemble.