Leitmotif

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

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