What is Motif in Music?

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Summary: Motifs are used often in classical music. Learn about repetition and motif in this free music appreciation video.

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427
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music , music appreciation
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By Duane Carter
eHow Contributing Writer

Duane Carter is a musician, writer and librarian from Los Angeles, Calif. He studied trumpet at Locke High School with jazz greats Bobby Bryant, Sr. and Oscar Brashear. Carter has...read more

Difficulty: Moderate
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Video Transcript

"Hello! My names is Duane Carter and on behalf of Expert Village, I am going to be talking today about learning how to listen to and appreciate music. Another important repetitious device is use of the repeatable motif. A motif is a small musical unit used by composers to create a composition. Though it is usually on a few notes long. It is used over and over in various forms to create the piece. A motif or motivic writing is probably the most recognized in classical writing. One of the most famous uses of motivic writing is Beethoven's 5th Symphony. "

eHow Article: What is Motif in Music?

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