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

Today we begin a series called "Building Music" looking at how composers construct music starting with the smallest element: The Motif.

Music Examples Used:
Beethoven - 5th Symphony, Movement 1
Brahms - Wiegenlieder, Op. 49, No. 4
Ravel - Bolero
Pachelbel - Canon in D

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Hey, I'm Jesse, a composer and music theorist. I believe that Music Theory is a practical and valuable artform for all musicians throughout their lifetime. On this channel, I am making videos to help all musicians grow in their understanding of music theory and how it can make them a better musician.

[sandman]

I understand you more than i do my actual band teachers.

[mubafaw]

🔥🔥🔥Concise and very informative. Thanks 😊

[Theon]

Excellent!
I teach composition and your short video says it all. "All the rest is commentary".

[mrchristian]

So could a motif be a phrase that is repeated not only in the same song, but in other songs as well? I know of an artist who plays a phrase in one song, that is identical if not the same in a few of his other songs.

[chengyeenkoh]

Great explanation and examples! Thank you.

[danielhewitt]

The motif or ostinato in Canon in D is also a ground bass

[christinango]

Hi, so does motif sounds a bit echo or it takes longer to end like a string being played but the sound still echo even if we let go.

[joshuamcdonald]

very helpful. using this as the basis for a sermon metaphor! thanks!

[dkblack]

"Repeat Ad Nauseam" - that made me laugh out loud!

[courtrhb]

I valued your insight here. Would you consider not putting background music in the videos? While listening to and trying to understand the ideas the music in the background is a little distracting. Just a thought.

[fiddlermw]

great video though I found the background music somewhat of a distraction

[houseoftone]

interesting explanation of motifs, maybe ditch Ravel's (motifs) in the back ground...it just in the way of the dialogue.

[manafull]

yea the motif of dust clears of clean bandit!

[bergenspencer]

someone get this man a turkey boss LV99

[andrescen]

I can write a section of a song but then get stuck. If I could establish a Motif I might be able to come up with a complete song.

[back-seat-driver]

disturbing background music-
this destroys the otherwise good impression of the video
:-((

[democraticpatriot]

trying to listen through the bolero background. so annoying!