Building Music: What Is A Motif? - TWO MINUTE MUSIC THEORY #24

The video tutorial explains the concept of a motif in music, likening it to an atom as the smallest independent particle of a musical idea. Scharenberg's definition of a motif is discussed, requiring both interval and rhythm. The tutorial analyzes famous motifs, such as those in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and Brahms Lullaby, highlighting their characteristic intervals and rhythms. It also explores different types of motifs, including harmonic and rhythmic motifs, emphasizing their roles in musical composition.

How does Scherenberg define a musical motif?

• As a melody that repeats throughout a piece

• As a unit with specific interval and rhythm features

• As a series of chords that form a harmony

• As a rhythm that changes with each section

What is the characteristic interval in the opening of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony?

• Ascending major third

• Descending minor third

• Descending major third

• Ascending minor third

In Brahms' Lullaby, what is the rhythmic motif?

• Short, short, long

• Long, long, short

• Short, long, short

• Long, short, short

What is a harmonic motif?

• A series of notes that form a melody

• A rhythm that changes with each chord

• A recurring series of chords not tied to melody or rhythm

• A melody that repeats with different rhythms

Which of the following is NOT a type of motif discussed?

• Melodic motif

• Harmonic motif

• Dynamic motif

• Rhythmic motif