1. In der Literatur ein wiederholt im Text verwendeter, charakterist. Topos.
2. In der Musik eine kurze, einprägsame Tonfolge, die mehrmals in einem Stück wiederholt oder variiert wird.
1. A fundamental or central idea.
2. The principal theme in a speech or literary work. key-note, key note
Leitmotiv (German) recurring musical theme with definite association with a person, idea, event, etc.
In music, a recurring theme or motive used to illustrate a character or idea. Wagner frequently used this technique in his operas, and it was later adopted in music for film.
A melodic phrase that accompanies the reappearance of a person or situation (as in Wagner's operas); SYN. leitmotif.