leitmotif

Definition

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

Etymology

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

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "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."
• "If one looks for a pattern in the political life of John Connally, one finds a leitmotif of scandals which threatened but never destroyed his career."