This motive, composed of mm. 2-3 of the Prelude to Act I, is most
often referred to as the “Isolde” or "Desire" motive. Other
labels are given below.
Motive Labels “Isolde
Motive” – (Kobbé, p, 110) “Desire Motive” – (Lavignac,
p. 285) “Zaubermotiv” or “Charm
Motive” – (Pfohl,
p. 214) “Motive of Desire” or “Motive
of Magic” – (Newman,
in Bailey, p. 154) “Love Motive” – (Hight,
p. 277) “Yearning” – Note
that this title has been given to Motive 1 as well.
Desire – Order of occurrence by Act and Scene Act I: Prelude, Scenes 1-5 Act II: Prelude, Scenes 1-3 Act III: Scenes 1-3
