Understanding Richard Wagner’s Leitmotifs: Beyond Musical Post-It Notes
Richard Wagner's use of leitmotifs in his operas is often misunderstood. These devices are not meant to be musical post-it notes reminding the audience of specific characters, emotions, or themes. Instead, they serve a much more fundamental role in the structural organization of his music dramas.
Leitmotifs as Fundamental Structural Elements
According to Marshall Tuttle, in his monograph Musical Structures in Wagnerian Opera, leitmotifs function as cells of structural organization that shift up and down the tonal hierarchy. This means that these motifs do not merely represent characters or emotions through simple associations. Instead, they indicate the progression and shifts in dramatic action and emotion within the opera.
Example from Act III Scene III of Siegfried
In Act III Scene III of Siegfried, during Brünnhilde’s aria “Ewig war ich,” Wagner’s leitmotif, the augmented triad, transitions from being a horizontal melodic motif or chord to a series of modulations. The music traverses E major/minor, A flat major, and C major, signifying an increase in Brünnhilde’s power. This transition to a higher rung in the tonal hierarchy is a subtle but crucial element in the progression of the narrative.
The Role of Leitmotifs in Music Dramas
Wagner’s goal was to create a subconscious framework that complemented the overt action and words within his operas. Unlike symphonists, who do not provide audience guides to their motivic tactics, Wagner did not offer notes to the public for his operas. His leitmotifs were meant to evoke emotions and experiences, rather than directly point to specific scenes or characters.
Modern Usage of Leitmotifs in Film Music
In modern film music, the concept of leitmotifs is well-demonstrated. For example, in "Jaws," you can understand the presence of the shark even if you are blind. Similarly, in "Star Wars," Darth Vader's theme immediately conveys his presence. These motifs are subtle but powerful, evoking emotions without explicitly pointing to specific scenes.
Subliminal Associations and Symbolism
A similar concept is at play in television series, where symbols and motifs can communicate complex narratives subliminally. For instance, in "Breaking Bad," the art director associated specific colors with particular characters, acting as a symbolic guide for the audience. Walter White's sister-in-law, a kleptomaniac, was often seen in vibrant purple, while Walter’s wife Skylar wore muted beige. These choices conveyed deeper meanings without explicit exposition.
When Walter appeared in muted beige at the beginning of the last season, arranging bacon to spell his age, the audience was subliminally reminded of his wife. This strong visual symbol was a significant way the director communicated the story, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the concept of symbolism in art and literature.
Conclusion
In summary, Richard Wagner's leitmotifs are not merely musical labels; they are integral to the structure and thematic depth of his music dramas. Their pervasiveness and the way they shift through tonal hierarchies provide a subliminal framework that enhances the narrative experience. Whether in opera or modern media, these devices are powerful tools for storytelling and emotional connection.