Definitions for leitmotif
ˈlaɪt moʊˌtifleit·mo·tif

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:5.0 / 4 votes

1. leitmotiv, leitmotifnoun

   a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas)

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. leitmotifnoun

   A melodic theme associated with a particular character, place, thing or idea in an opera.

2. leitmotifnoun

   A recurring theme.

3. Etymology: From Leitmotiv, from leiten + Motiv, originally used to describe Wagnerian opera.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Leitmotif

   A leitmotif or leitmotiv () is a "short, recurring musical phrase" associated with a particular person, place, or idea. It is closely related to the musical concepts of idée fixe or motto-theme. The spelling leitmotif is an anglicization of the German Leitmotiv (IPA: [ˈlaɪtmoˌtiːf]), literally meaning "leading motif", or "guiding motif". A musical motif has been defined as a "short musical idea ... melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic, or all three", a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition: "the smallest structural unit possessing thematic identity."In particular, such a motif should be "clearly identified so as to retain its identity if modified on subsequent appearances" whether such modification be in terms of rhythm, harmony, orchestration or accompaniment. It may also be "combined with other leitmotifs to suggest a new dramatic condition" or development. The technique is notably associated with the operas of Richard Wagner, and most especially his Der Ring des Nibelungen, although he was not its originator and did not employ the word in connection with his work. Although usually a short melody, it can also be a chord progression or even a simple rhythm. Leitmotifs can help to bind a work together into a coherent whole, and also enable the composer to relate a story without the use of words, or to add an extra level to an already present story. By association, the word has also been used to mean any sort of recurring theme (whether or not subject to developmental transformation) in literature, or (metaphorically) the life of a fictional character or a real person. It is sometimes also used in discussion of other musical genres, such as instrumental pieces, cinema, and video game music, sometimes interchangeably with the more general category of theme.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. leitmotif

   A leitmotif is a repeated thematic element in a musical, literary, or cinematic work that is associated with a particular character, event, or idea. It serves as a recurring musical theme or motif that helps to portray and further illustrate or symbolize these elements throughout the work.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Leitmotifnoun

   see Leading motive, under Leading, a

WikidataRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. Leitmotif

   A leitmotif is a musical term referring to a 'short, constantly recurring musical phrase', associated with a particular person, place, or idea. It is closely related to the musical concepts of idée fixe or 'motto-theme'. The term itself is an anglicization of the German Leitmotiv, literally meaning "leading motif", or perhaps more accurately, "guiding motif." A musical motif has been defined as a 'short musical idea...melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic, or all three' a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition: "the smallest structural unit possessing thematic identity." In particular such a motif should be 'clearly identified so as to retain its identity if modified on subsequent appearances' whether such modification be in terms of rhythm, harmony, orchestration or accompaniment. It may also be 'combined with other leitmotifs to suggest a new dramatic condition' or development. The technique is notably associated with the operas of Richard Wagner, although he was not its originator, and did not employ the word in connection with his work. Although usually a short melody, it can also be a chord progression or even a simple rhythm. Leitmotifs can help to bind a work together into a coherent whole, and also enable the composer to relate a story without the use of words, or to add an extra level to an already present story.

Matched Categories

1. • Tune

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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How to pronounce leitmotif?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say leitmotif in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of leitmotif in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of leitmotif in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=leitmotif
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Leitmotif
3. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leitmotif
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leitmotif
6. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=leitmotif
7. ^ Usage in printed sources
   https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=leitmotif