Motives in music theory

(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".

1. What is a motive in music example?
2. How do you write motives in music?
3. What is the difference between a motive and a theme in music?
4. What is a motive and sequence in music?

What is a motive in music example?

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.

How do you write motives in music?

How To Write A Good Melody: Motives

1. Repetition – At the original or a different pitch. ...
2. Sequence – Try playing your motive several more times starting at a different pitch each time but keeping the intervals the same.
3. Inversion – Start on the first note of your motive. ...
4. Retrograde – Play the motive backwards.

What is the difference between a motive and a theme in music?

In context|music|lang=en terms the difference between theme and motive. is that theme is (music) the main melody of a piece of music, especially one that is the source of variations while motive is (music) a motif; a theme or subject, especially one that is central to the work or often repeated.

What is a motive and sequence in music?

A Sequence is a motive that is repeated one or more times at a higher or lower pitch. To be considered a Sequence, the motive must: be played or sung in the same voice or clef. be played or sung at a different pitch - either higher or lower.