leitmotif

• Ein wiederkehrendes musikalisches Motiv oder Thema, das mit einer bestimmten Person, Situation oder Idee verbunden ist, besonders in Wagners Opern; allgemeiner auch ein Leitgedanke oder eine ständig wiederkehrende Idee.

A noun referring to a recurring melodic phrase or theme in a musical composition, especially one associated with a particular character, situation, or idea, as famously used in Wagner's operas.

1. Recurring musical themeC1formalart

   A short, recurring musical phrase associated with a particular person, place, idea, or emotion, especially in operas by Wagner.

   Leitmotiv

   • The composer used a haunting leitmotif for the villain.
   • Wagner's 'Ring Cycle' is famous for its complex use of leitmotifs.
   • The hero's leitmotif played softly as he entered the scene.

   Synonymemotifmusical themetheme

2. Recurring theme in art or literatureC1formal

   A dominant and recurring theme, idea, or image in a work of art, literature, or film.

   Leitmotiv

   • The leitmotif of loss runs throughout the novel.
   • The director used the color red as a visual leitmotif.
   • A leitmotif of rebellion appears in many of his paintings.

   Synonymeideamotifrefrainthemethreadtrope