Passionate about all things Australian. 1. A Leitmotif in music is a recurring melodic phrase used to suggest a character, thing, or idea. It accompanies each reappearance of a particular character, or its sounding may suggest a particular allusion, situation or theme in the background.2.onfidence votes 242K. Passionate about all things Australian. 1. A Leitmotif in music is a recurring melodic phrase used to suggest a character, thing, or idea. It accompanies each reappearance of a particular character, or its sounding may suggest a particular allusion, situation or theme in the background. 2.