History Main / LeitMotif

One especially common leitmotif in video games is the BattleThemeMusic, associated with monster battles in general. (Which also [[RPGsEqualCombat happen]] [[LevelGrinding a]] [[RandomEncounters lot]].) If a specific character's BattleThemeMusic is actually a remix of their {{Leitmotif}}, it may be a BossRemix.

-->I scream, yeah, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, yeah\\

I scream, yeah, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, yeah

** Totobory has a really weird descending theme with a clarinet.

A leitmotif (pronounced "Light-motif") is a recurring piece of music (or at least melody) that represents a character, action, or theme. This is a well-established technique used in almost every medium that involves music and story. The leitmotif technique was invented (or at least codified) by opera composer Music/RichardWagner in the second half of the 19th Century. In his later operas, not only would every character have his/her own musical theme, but so did many objects, places, and even abstract ideas.

Can become a RecurringRiff when used throughout a long-running series. BootstrappedLeitmotif is such a variation, where a song that wasn't originally intended as a {{Leitmotif}} later becomes one.

In ''Radio/TheGoonShow'' almost every appearance of Major Bloodnok is heralded by a specially-composed[[note]] by series composer/conductor Wally Stott, who later transitioned into Angela Morley[[/note]] fanfare. One one occasion this is played with slightly by beginning the tune in grand, operatic style, before reverting to a fanfare at the end.

If a character with a distinctive-sounding Leitmotif is in a production or episode with NoFourthWall (or at least some MediumAwareness), one of his or her fellows may [[LampshadeHanging comment]] on how loud and annoying their theme music is. (To which the character will almost always reply, "What theme music?") Can become a MusicalSpoiler for audiences if (or after) they recognize the theme. The character might also have their leitmotif as their own ringtone, for a subtler joke; see also LeftTheBackgroundMusicOn.

* ''Animation/SimpleSamosa'': In the episode "Tutti Frutti", Tutti Frutti has a song which plays throughout the episode. "I scream, yeah, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, yeah!" (Tutti Frutti is an [[AnthropomorphicFood anthropomorphic ice cream]], if you're wondering.)

* ''Animation/SimpleSamosa'': In the episode "Tutti Frutti", Tutti Frutti has a song which plays throughout the episode. "I scream, yeah, you scream, we all scream for ice cream, yeah!"

See also MoodMotif, StandardSnippet. Supertrope to LoveTheme. Compare ArcWords, which is more or less the literary equivalent.

See also MoodMotif, StandardSnippet. Supertrope to LoveTheme.

A leitmotif (pronounced "Light-motif") is a recurring piece of music (or at least melody) that represents a character, action, or theme. This is a well-established technique used in almost every medium that involves music and story. The leitmotif technique was invented (or at least codified) by opera composer Creator/RichardWagner in the second half of the 19th Century. In his later operas, not only would every character have his/her own musical theme, but so did many objects, places, and even abstract ideas.

If a character with a distinctive-sounding Leitmotif is in a production or episode with NoFourthWall (or at least some MediumAwareness), one of his or her fellows may [[LampshadeHanging make a comment]] on how loud and annoying their theme music is. (To which the character will almost always reply, "What theme music?") Can become a MusicalSpoiler for audiences if (or after) they recognize the theme. The character might also have their leitmotif as their own ringtone, for a subtler joke; see also LeftTheBackgroundMusicOn.

This is different from an ImageSong in that Image Songs exist only outside of the scope of the show that produced them. Compare with [[IAmSong "I Am" Song]].

A leitmotif is a recurring piece of music (or at least melody) that represents a character, action, or theme. This is a well-established technique used in almost every medium that involves music and story. The leitmotif technique was invented (or at least codified) by opera composer Creator/RichardWagner in the second half of the 19th Century. In his later operas, not only would every character have his/her own musical theme, but so did many objects, places, and even abstract ideas.

Leitmotifs are often named simply "<character>'s Theme" or "<noun> Motif"[[note]](though the name alone is not enough to establish it as a motif)[[/note]]. They often make up the [[{{BGM}} bulk]] of movie and anime soundtracks, and a fair chunk of video game soundtracks as well.

A leitmotif is a recurring piece of music (or at least melody) that represents a character, action, or theme. This is a well-established technique used in almost every medium that involves music and story. The leitmotif technique was invented (or at least perfected) by opera composer Creator/RichardWagner in the second half of the 19th Century where, in his operas, not only would every character have his/her own musical theme, but also objects, places, and even abstract ideas did too.

->''"[[PlotTriggeringDeath Steve's dead now]]. From here on in, Steve's death will be represented by the oboe."''

-->--'''Tom Servo''', ''Series/{{Mystery Science Theater 3000}}'' episode #209, ''Film/TheHellcats''

-->--'''Tom Servo''' , ''Series/{{Mystery Science Theater 3000}}'' episode # 209, ''Film/TheHellcats''

->''"Steve's dead now. From here on in, Steve's death will be represented by the oboe."''

-->--'''Tom Servo''' , ''Series/{{Mystery Science Theater 3000}}'' episode # 209, ''FilmTheHellcats''

-->--'''Tom Servo''' , ''[[{{MST3K}} Mystery Science Theater 3000]]'' episode # 209, "TheHellcats"

See also MoodMotif, StandardSnippet.