What is a Motif in Music? - Music Theory

The video tutorial explains the concept of a musical motif, a short musical idea often repeated and developed. It explores how motifs are used in Baroque music, particularly in Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and discusses techniques for motif development. The tutorial also examines motifs in Bach's fugues, illustrating how motifs can be altered and expanded. The video serves as both an analytical and compositional tool for understanding and creating music using motifs.

What is a motif in music?

• A long musical composition

• A short musical idea that can be repeated and developed

• A type of musical instrument

• A specific genre of music

In the Hallelujah Chorus, what is the sequence of motifs after the initial motif A?

• B, A, C, A

• A, B, C

• A, A, B, B, C

• A, B, A, C

How does Handel use motif A in the Hallelujah Chorus?

• He uses it only once

• He changes its rhythm

• He transposes it to a higher pitch

• He combines it with another motif

What is a distinctive feature of motif A in the Hallelujah Chorus?

• It has a syncopated rhythm

• It uses a dotted crotchet quaver

• It is played in a minor key

• It is only used in the introduction

How can motifs be related to each other in a musical piece?

• They must be in different keys

• They should not be used together

• They can have some shared elements and some independent features

• They must always be identical

In Bach's Fugue #2 in C minor, how is the motif developed?

• By altering the pitch and extending the rhythm

• By playing it faster

• By changing the instrument

• By adding lyrics

What is one way motifs can be used in composition?

• By changing their genre

• By repeating and developing them

• By ignoring them

• By using them only once