* A short, melodic idea that is used as the basis for a larger composition.
* Often consists of a few notes that are repeated or varied in different ways.
* Can be used to create a sense of unity or development in a piece of music.
Examples of motives in music:
* The opening four notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
* The "Dies irae" chant in Mozart's Requiem.
* The "Ode to Joy" theme in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.
Phrase:
* A group of notes that form a musical unit.
* Can be a single melody line or a combination of different melodic lines.
* Phrases are typically separated from each other by a cadence.
Examples of phrases in music:
* The first eight bars of Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major.
* The verse of a song, such as the first eight lines of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
* The chorus of a song, such as the last eight lines of "We Will Rock You."