A(n) _________ is a short musical idea associated with a person, an object or a thought in the drama, a technique pioneered by Wagner.

A(n) leitmotif is a short musical idea associated with a person, an object, or a thought in the drama, a technique pioneered by Richard Wagner. Leitmotifs are used throughout his operas to provide musical identity to characters, themes, and dramatic ideas, allowing the audience to make emotional connections and understand narrative transitions more deeply. This technique emphasizes themes and motifs that resonate with the audience, creating a cohesive musical and dramatic experience. Wagner’s innovative use of leitmotifs has had a lasting influence on the development of film scores and modern musical compositions, where similar ideas are implemented to evoke emotions and represent characters.