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Leitmotiv: meaning, definitions and examples

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leitmotiv

 

[ หˆlaษชtหŒmoสŠtษชf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music, literature

A leitmotiv is a recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular character, situation, or idea. It serves to unify the work, providing listeners and readers with a recognizable musical phrase or idea that evokes certain emotions or memories. This concept is commonly used in opera and film scores, where specific themes are linked to various elements within the narrative. The technique enhances the audience's connection to the story, making the experience more immersive.

Synonyms

motif, signature tune, theme.

Examples of usage

  • The leitmotiv for the hero appeared every time he took action.
  • In the film, the leitmotiv connected the past and present.
  • She recognized the leitmotiv from her favorite opera.
  • The composer used a distinct leitmotiv for each character.

Translations

Translations of the word "leitmotiv" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเฅ€เคŸเคฎเฅ‹เคŸเคฟเคต

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะตะนั‚ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฌใ‚คใƒˆใƒขใƒ†ใ‚ฃใƒผใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ ˆ์ดํŠธ๋ชจํ‹ฐํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุงูŠุชู…ูˆู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผ•ๅฏผๅŠจๆœบ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leitmotรญv

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะตะนั‚ะผะพั‚ะธะฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ”แƒ˜แƒขแƒ›แƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ leitmotiv

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ leitmotiv

Etymology

The word 'leitmotiv' originates from the German language, where it is a compound of 'leit-', meaning 'leading' or 'guiding', and 'Motiv', meaning 'motive' or 'theme'. The concept emerged in the 19th century, particularly in the works of composers like Richard Wagner, who famously employed leitmotifs to develop the narrative in his operas. Wagner's innovative approach influenced not only music but also film scoring, where directors and composers adapted the technique to enhance storytelling through music. By establishing musical phrases associated with specific characters or ideas, composers could reinforce emotional connections and continuity within the work. Today, leitmotifs are recognized as a powerful tool in various artistic forms, illustrating the lasting impact of Wagnerโ€™s early contributions to the concept.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,745, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.