What is motive in music

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

1. What is a motive or motif in music?
2. What is a motive in music example?
3. What is a motive in music quizlet?

What is a motive or motif in music?

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 is a motive in music example?

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 motive in music quizlet?

Motive. : the smallest group of notes drawn from a theme or another section of a piece that can be thought of as being characteristic of that section. They obtain significance by being repeated, varied and/or developed. Motives may be rhythmic patterns, or melodic patterns, or combinations of both.