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Leitmotif

//ˈlaɪt.məʊˌtiːf// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A melodic theme associated with a particular character, place, thing or idea in an opera.

    "In Wagner's operas, especially his cycle of four operas known collectively as the Ring cycle, the leitmotif did not simply label or point to one particular character or object but rather conjured up a realm of ideas."

  2. 2
    a melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas) wordnet
  3. 3
    A recurring theme. broadly

    "People have pointed out the influence of Wagner’s music on my work. Certainly I do not disclaim this influence. In particular, I followed Wagner in the use of the leitmotif, which I carried over into the work of language."

Etymology

From German Leitmotiv (“leading motif”), from leiten (“to lead”) + Motiv (“motif”), originally used to describe Wagnerian opera. The spelling was influenced by motif.

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