Leitmotif
(LITE-moe-teef)


[Ger., leading motif]


A recurring motif in a composition (usually an opera) which represents a specific person, idea, or emotion. This term was first applied to the operas of Richard Wagner.


SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:

Wagner: Die WalkŸre, Act I (leitmotif: object)
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 3, Track 30
Wagner: Die WalkŸre, Act I (leitmotif: person)
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 3, Track 31
Wagner: Die WalkŸre, Act I (leitmotif: landscape)
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 3, Track 32
Wagner: Die WalkŸre, Act I (leitmotif: idea)
W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank -- Disc 3, Track 33

Dictionary Home