Activity:

Skip to 00:27 for the activity and play around with the motif! What is a motif?

In music, a motif refers to a short musical idea or pattern that is repeated throughout a composition. It is often a distinct melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic element that serves as a building block for the larger musical structure. A motif can be as brief as a few notes or as long as a phrase, and it may appear in various forms and variations throughout a piece of music.

Motifs play a significant role in creating unity, coherence, and thematic development within a composition. They can be used to establish a musical theme, provide a recognizable identity, or convey emotional or narrative elements. Composers may manipulate and transform motifs through techniques like repetition, variation, inversion, or fragmentation to create musical interest and development.

Motifs can be found in various genres and styles of music, from classical compositions to popular songs. They can be memorable and easily recognizable, becoming a central element of a musical work, or they can be more subtle and integrated within the overall fabric of the composition.

Overall, motifs serve as important musical building blocks, providing cohesion and structure while adding depth and meaning to a piece of music.