what is a “motif” in music? course hero

by Mr. Stewart Fisher III 4 min read

What is the importance of motif in music?

Question 3 of 10 10.0 Points What is a “motif” in music? A.an ancient instrument that is no longer used B.a musical ensemble Correct C.a small chunk of a melody D.the reason someone makes a decision Answer Key: C

What is an example of a harmonic motif in music?

Question 6 of 10 The following item can help you better understand the background and meaning of Western music, and become a more informed music listener: A. historical background B. music criticism C. aesthetics of music D. All answers provided are correct. Answer Key: D

What is a rhythmic motif?

Feb 14, 2018 · Question 1 of 10 10.0 Points What is a “motif” in music? A. an ancient instrument that is no longer used B. the reason someone makes a decision C. a musical ensemble D. a small chunk of a melody Answer Key:D.

What is an example of a fate motif in music?

May 10, 2014 · Question 5 of 10 10.0 Points What is a “motif” in music? A.a small chunk of a melody B.the reason someone makes a decision C.a musical ensemble D.an ancient instrument that is no longer used Answer Key: A Question 6 of 10 10.0 Points

What is a motif in music?

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 does it mean when a motif returns?

When a motif returns, it can be slower or faster, or in a different key. It may return “upside down” (with the notes going up instead of down, for example), or with the pitches or rhythms altered. The “fate motif” from the first movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

What is a short melody called?

A short melodic idea may also be called a motif, a motive, a cell, or a figure. These small pieces of melody will appear again and again in a piece of music, sometimes exactly the same and sometimes changed. When a motif returns, it can be slower or faster, or in a different key.

What is a harmonic motif?

A harmonic motif is a series of chords defined in the abstract, that is, without reference to melody or rhythm. A melodic motif is a melodic formula, established without reference to intervals. A rhythmic motif is the term designating a characteristic rhythmic formula, an abstraction drawn from the rhythmic values of a melody.

What is a head motif?

A head-motif (German: Kopfmotiv) is a musical idea at the opening of a set of movements which serves to unite those movements.

Which composers have the highest elaboration of this technique?

Arguably Beethoven achieved the highest elaboration of this technique; the famous “fate motif” —the pattern of three short notes followed by one long one—that opens his Fifth Symphony and reappears throughout the work in surprising and refreshing permutations is a classic example.

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