What is a motif in music?

A motif in music refers to a short, distinctive musical idea or phrase that is often repeated and developed throughout a composition. Motifs serve as foundational elements that can be manipulated in various ways—such as being transposed, varied rhythmically, or expanded—to create unity and coherence in a piece. This technique is particularly important in genres where thematic development is crucial, such as in symphonic or operatic works.

The other choices describe different musical concepts. A full orchestral piece encompasses an entire work, which is much larger than the focused idea of a motif. Lengthy melodic development spans broader melodic constructs that may involve multiple motifs or themes rather than just a single one. A type of musical scale pertains to a set sequence of pitches rather than a specific musical phrase. Thus, recognizing a motif as a short repeating phrase helps understanding its role in developing musical narratives and ideas.