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What is the name for the music or sound played when a key character appears in a play, movie or show; like in "Peter and the Wolf"?

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I think the word you're looking for is leitmotif:

A recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation.

[ODO]

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  • Thank you Andrew and thank you "English Language & Usage" for creating this forum. I could not remember that term and searching had not brought results.
    – L Yosef
    Nov 25, 2014 at 18:03
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The tune associated with a particular character is called that character's musical theme, theme music, or signature song.

From the Wikipedia article on Peter and the Wolf, for example:

Each character in the story has a particular instrument and a musical theme:

Bird: flute
Cat: clarinet
Duck: oboe
Grandfather: bassoon
Hunters: woodwind theme, with gunshots on timpani and bass drum
Peter: instruments (including violin, viola, cello, and bass)
Wolf: French horns

And similarly, quoting from the Wikipedia article on "theme music":

The phrase theme song or signature tune may also be used to refer to a signature song that has become especially associated with a particular performer or dignitary; often used as they make an entrance.

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    +1 as although leitmotif is the technical term, many people refer to it as a character's theme, particularly for film soundtracks; it also appears in some song titles, e.g. Princess Leia's Theme, Yoda's Theme.
    – choster
    Nov 25, 2014 at 17:51
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I think I may have found it: "leitmotif."

From the Wikipedia entry a leitmotif is "is a "short, constantly recurring musical phrase" associated with a particular person, place, or idea."

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    Indeed, that is the term. I encourage you to improve this answer by excerpting a definition and linking to an authoritative reference, and then you will have my upvote. For additional guidance, I encourage you to visit the help center.
    – choster
    Nov 25, 2014 at 17:37
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    Except that it's poor form to repeat an answer already given.
    – Andrew Leach ♦
    Nov 26, 2014 at 0:14
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Although several answers have identified "leitmotif," if the music in question is more brief it could be called a

fanfare

or

flourish

OED describes a fanfare as:

A short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, typically to introduce something or someone important: a specially composed fanfare announced the arrival of the Duchess

The relevant definition for flourish cites "fanfare" but another definition provides color:

A bold or extravagant gesture or action, made especially to attract attention: with a flourish, she ushered them inside

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theme - This is probably what I would choose. Example: "Did you hear how Leia's Theme came in just then when they mentioned her?"

motif or motive (less common) - This would probably be my second choice. It's a general musical term, basically synonymous with theme.

leitmotif - Has a specific technical meaning in music theory. While all leitmotifs are themes used to represent characters and ideas, not all such motifs are commonly called leitmotifs, since leitmotif carries connotations of a certain musical tradition, from Richard Wagner to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. If you're looking for something general, this is not necessarily the best word to choose. The word also may not be as recognizable to a wider audience.

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