leitmotif

Where does the word "leitmotif" come from? It comes from German leiten, passing through German before entering English (1877).

Leitmotif’s story begins in German: leiten meant “to lead.” To lead, combined with Motiv (motive, theme). Within German, it grew into Leitmotiv by 1871. Leading motive, coined in music criticism for a recurring musical theme tied to a character or idea. It reached English by 1877 as leitmotif. Hans von Wolzogen used 'Leitmotiv' for the recurring themes of Wagner's operas. Today, leitmotif means a recurring theme associated with a particular idea, character, or situation.

1. Stage 1 · German · medieval leiten "to lead", to lead, combined with Motiv (motive, theme).
2. Stage 2 · German · 1871 Leitmotiv "a recurring musical theme tied to a character or idea", leading motive, coined in music criticism for a recurring musical theme tied to a character or idea.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1877 leitmotif "a recurring theme in a piece of music or a narrative", Hans von Wolzogen used 'Leitmotiv' for the recurring themes of Wagner's operas.