Motif

A composition can be built around a motif. This is the case, for example, in the first movement of Brahms's Symphony No. 3, Allegro con brio. The theme is f a f, notes from the phrase frei aber froh, free but joyful. It can be found in both large and small details. This ability to oscillate between the micro and macro worlds adds a lot of depth to the work and gives the impression that it has its own DNA. The first movement of the symphony is in sonata form.

Photo: Satu Simola

Brahms oscillates in his work