What is a motif in music composition?

A motif in music composition refers to a brief segment of melody or rhythm that serves as a building block for the larger composition. It is often a short, recognizable musical idea that can be repeated, varied, or developed throughout a piece. This allows composers to create coherence and unity within their works, as the motif can be transformed and reintroduced in different contexts, contributing to the overall narrative or emotional landscape of the music.

The other concepts mentioned, such as the overall theme of the piece, techniques used in scoring, or types of musical scales, relate to broader aspects of music composition but do not specifically define what a motif is. Themes encompass larger ideas, while scoring techniques and musical scales function in distinct roles within the composition process, making them separate from the notion of a motif as a succinct and recognizable fragment.