Chapter 3 - Rondo Form

Question 1

How did the term “rondo” originate?

Answer 1

“Rondo” is derived from the French word “rondeau,” a poem whose opening and closing lines are identical.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of rondo form?

Answer 2

A rondo has a return to the principal or primary theme, alternating with secondary themes and sections.

Question 3

What are the two general types of rondos?

Answer 3

The old rondeau, or rondino (simple type) of the 17th and 18th centuries, and the classical rondo of the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Question 4

What is the form of the rondeau (simple rondo)?

Answer 4

In the simple rondeau, each section consists of a one-part form, usually a period or its equivalent.

Question 5

When was rondeau popular?

Answer 5

It was popular in the instrumental music of the 17th century. Composers: Rameau, Scarlatti, Handel and Bach.

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a classical rondo?

Answer 6

The classical rondo is a compound form that has one or more sections lengthened and extended to a two- or three- form.

Question 7

What are the kinds of classical rondo?

Answer 7

First, second and third.
First rondo: Part A returns once.
Second rondo: Part A returns twice.
Third rondo: Part A returns three times.
Also note: the classical rondo is usually more extended that the preclassic form and has a more involved structure. Frequently there are transitions, or "bridge material," that connect the sections.

Question 8

What are examples of simple rondo?

Answer 8

Rameau, Les Tourbillons
Couperin, Pieces de Clavecin, La Bandoline (form is ABACADA)
Ramue, Musette en Rondeau

Question 9

What are examples of first rondo?

Answer 9

Beethoven, Piano Sonata, Op. 2, No. 1, 2nd movement
Beethoven, Violin Sonata, Op. 12, No. 3, 2nd movement
Schumann, Symphony No. 1 in B flat Major, 2nd movement
Mendelssohn, Notturno from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mozart, Piano Sonata K. 331 (Turkish March – interesting variant in last movement)

Question 10

What are examples of second rondo?

Answer 10

Mozart, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, 2nd movement “Romanze”
Beethoven, Piano Sonata, Op. 49, No. 2, 2nd movement
Mozart, Rondo in A minor, K. 511
Beethoven, Fur Elise
Brahms, Symphony No. 1, 3rd movement
Schubert, Piano Sonata in D Major Op. 53, Last Movement
Bartok, Three Rondos, No. 1

Question 11

What are examples of third rondo?

Answer 11

Beethoven, Piano Sonata in C Major, Op. 2, No. 3, Last Movement
Beethoven, Piano Sonatas Op. 2 in A Major and Op. 13 in C minor (last movements of each)
Brahms, Violin and Piano Sonata No. 2 in A Major Op. 100, Last Movement
Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 in F Major Op. 68 (Pastorale), Finale (last statement of principal theme merges with coda)