What is a motive or motif in music?

(pronunciation) (help·info) IPA: (/moʊˈtiːf/) (also motive) is a short musical phrase, a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition: “The motive is the smallest structural unit possessing thematic identity”.

What is the motive in music?

motive, in music, a leading phrase or figure that is reproduced and varied through the course of a composition or movement. See melody.

How do you explain a motif?

A motif is a symbolic image or idea that appears frequently in a story. Motifs can be symbols, sounds, actions, ideas, or words. Motifs strengthen a story by adding images and ideas to the theme present throughout the narrative.

What is the difference between a motive and a phrase?

Czerny uses the motive throughout, even turning it upside down (measures 5 and 6). Motives can also be rhythmic. Most often they are a combination of notes and rhythm. If notes are letters and motives are words or combinations thereof, then phrases are more like sentences, or at least complete musical thoughts.

What is an example of a motive in music?

For example, the same melody may sound quite different depending on whether the character is in love, being heroic, or dying. A melodic phrase based on the Siegfried leitmotif, from Wagner’s opera The Valkyrie. Any motif may be used to construct complete melodies, themes and pieces.

What is a motif in music examples?

A very famous example of a rhythmic motif comes from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony. The motif of three short notes followed by a long note has become known as the “Fate Motif”. Listen to how many different ways Beethoven uses this simple idea of three short notes and one long in the first movement of his symphony.

What is a motif in piano?

Another term that usually refers to a piece of melody (although it can also refer to a rhythm or a chord progression) is “motif.” A motif is a short musical idea—shorter than a phrase—that occurs often in a piece of music. A short melodic idea may also be called a motif, a motive, a cell, or a figure.

What are types of motifs?

Types of Motif

• Plant motif.
• Floral motif (flower)
• Traditional motif.
• Geometrical motif.
• Abstract motif.

Is a motif a phrase?

Another term that usually refers to a piece of melody (although it can also refer to a rhythm or a chord progression) is “motif.” A motif is a short musical idea—shorter than a phrase—that occurs often in a piece of music.

What is the difference between motive and sequence?

Sequence is when a melodic fragment is repeated but starting on a different note. A motif is a short musical idea which recurs frequently and gives a sense of unity to the piece.

What is the difference between motif and motive?

Motive is a related term of motif. As nouns the difference between motive and motif. is that motive is an incentive to act; a reason for doing something; anything that prompted a choice of action while motif is a recurring or dominant element; a theme.

What is the difference between theme and motif?

A motif is a dominant and recurring idea in an artistic work whereas a theme is the subject of the talk, piece of writing etc. Although used synonymously, they have a thin line of difference between their usage. Theme is the meaning or purpose of a piece of writing.

What is the definition of motive in music?

Motive, in music, a leading phrase or figure that is reproduced and varied through the course of a composition or movement.

What is an example of a musical motive?

A motive is a short musical idea. It is the shortest fragment of a melody which the listener can identify as a specific melody. Here are some examples of famous motives: Berstein’s “There’s a Place for Us”