I understand that there is a difference between the two, but I'm still confused. Are the terms "ostinato" and "motif" interchangeable?
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1An ostinato repeats multiple times without interruption. A motif can appear basically at any time in any place.– Kilian FothCommented Jul 12, 2022 at 10:34
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Also: "ostinato" has a fairly narrow and concrete definition. "Motif" has a fairly fuzzy and vague one, meaning little more than "a recognizable unit." You could use "motif" in talking about visual art to mean a certain visual element, but you couldn't use "ostinato" except as a metaphor referring to the musical meaning.– Andy BonnerCommented Jul 12, 2022 at 22:18
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2 Answers
No. An ostinato is a sustained pattern, lasting many bars. A motif is a particular 'musical idea', that may itself last several bars, which keeps re-occurring during a piece.
An ostinato is particularly a rhythmic pattern that is repeated bar after bar, or in two or four bar sequences. A motif will pop up from time to time to remind us of itself.
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2I think it would be good of you could make the difference between "sustained pattern" and "keeps re-occuring" more precise. (I have no idea what you mean)– EmilCommented Jul 12, 2022 at 7:02
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Also, an obstinato brings along the idea that it repeats identically. But a motif (also called a motive) is often developed and lengthened into a more substantial theme later Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 15:23
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1youtube.com/watch?v=MmzER7X2424 my personal favorite ostinato. Commented Jul 12, 2022 at 22:58
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1@nuggethead - seems comments can't be edited after 5 mins. So either scrap that one and write another, or leave it. I quite like it, thought it was quite clever! Somewhat apposite.– TimCommented Jul 13, 2022 at 9:54
No. They serve very different purposes.
A motif starting on a different note of the scale or in a different mode is still the same motif. Motives are defined by their melodic contour.
An ostinato repeats without variation, even when it clashes with the underlying harmony.
