Using leitmotif in film music
I can create a leitmotif to represent a film character.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Leitmotif is a technique that developed from opera and programme music in the 19th century.
- Leitmotifs are used to represent characters, places or ideas.
- They often change to match changes in the story.
- We must carefully consider the musical elements to make sure that the leitmotif suits the character or idea.
- This includes harmony, tonality (major and minor), rhythm, timbre, articulation and dynamics.
Keywords
Leitmotif - a musical idea that represents a specific character, place or idea
Major - a key based on the notes of the major scale, sounding generally positive and bright
Minor - a key based on the notes of the minor scale; it creates a darker mood than a major key
Common misconception
A leimotif is just a musical theme.
Not quite. A leitmotif is a musical idea that must represent something else. This is usually a character, place or idea. A musical theme can exist without representing anything at all.
Equipment
DAW, keyboard or other suitable instrument as a composition tool.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A musical __________ is a commonly used idea or association.
Q2.Arco strings are often associated with which mood?
Q3.Which genre would typically suit a futuristic sci-fi movie?
Q4.What is the name of the brass music often played to announce an important arrival?
Q5.Which of these instruments is often used to portray gentleness or peace?
Q6.Which of these is a role of music in film?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these are commonly represented by leitmotifs?
Q2.Match each origin to leitmotif development.
used in the 19th century by Wagner
instrumental music that tells a story
later art form where leitmotif was adopted
recurring theme tied to story elements