Music A-Level
Motif
What Motif means in Music A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Motif
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Reference: AQA
A component used by composers to construct melodies, which can be altered rather than assumed to be a completely new melody.
A short, memorable melodic fragment, or a short, recurring musical idea that holds structural importance.
A short, recognisable musical idea that holds structural importance.
Topics that use Motif
- Area of study 1: Western classical tradition 1650–1910 (compulsory) - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
- Area of study 7: Art music since 1910 - Musical elements (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- Compositional techniques
- Modality
- Ostinato
- Rhythm
- Thematic development
- 20th-century chord structures
- 20th-century compositional techniques
- 20th-century rhythmic innovation
Using Motif in the exam
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