What is a 'motif' in music?

A motif in music is defined as a short musical idea, often consisting of a melodic or rhythmic phrase that serves as a foundational element within a composition. This small thematic unit can be developed and varied throughout a piece, helping to create unity and coherence.

Motifs may be repeated, transformed, or combined with other motifs to enrich the musical texture. Their importance lies in their ability to evoke specific emotions or ideas, contributing to the overall narrative of the music. Recognizing motifs allows listeners to engage more deeply with the music, tracking how these ideas evolve and reappear.

In contrast, the other choices describe different concepts in music. A prolonged chord progression refers to a sequence of chords that repeat for an extended duration, rather than a specific short idea. A type of musical form pertains to the structure of a piece, such as sonata form or theme and variations, which organizes larger sections of music instead of focusing on brief phrases. A genre of music classifies styles or categories of music, such as jazz, classical, or rock, rather than identifying a specific musical idea.