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