[5] It is commonly regarded as the shortest subdivision of a theme or phrase that still maintains its identity as a musical idea.
A motif thematically associated with a person, place, or idea is called a leitmotif or idée fixe.
Arguably Beethoven achieved the highest elaboration of this technique; the famous "fate motif" —the pattern of three short notes followed by one long one—that opens his Fifth Symphony and reappears throughout the work in surprising and refreshing permutations is a classic example.
"[11] Anton Webern defines a motif as, "the smallest independent particle in a musical idea", which are recognizable through their repetition.
[12] Arnold Schoenberg defines a motif as, "a unit which contains one or more features of interval and rhythm [whose] presence is maintained in constant use throughout a piece".