Component 2 Performing - What is the difference between a solo and an ensemble performance?

In a solo performance it is the job of the accompanist to respond to the needs of the soloist; in an ensemble performance the performers are equal partners. Therefore, somebody who wanted to play a solo with piano accompaniment as an ensemble would not be demonstrating a different skill from their solo performance. However, the skills needed by the piano accompanist are quite different from those they need as a soloist, which is why piano accompaniment is allowed as an ensemble skill.

For further clarification please refer to Section 4 in the syllabus and the extensive comments made on this by the Principal Examiner in the Principal Examiner reports.