Rondo

Question 1

What is a rondo?

Answer 1

A piece with a light and lovely character. The main theme occurs several times, but the title does not necessarily imply rondo (ABACA) form in music of this period

Question 2

What time is Rondo in?

Answer 2

Compound duple time, each bar contains 6 quavers grouped into 2 dotted crotchet beats

Question 3

What key is Rondo in?

Answer 3

C major, with bars 27-64 mostly in C minor

Question 4

What does allegretto mean?

Answer 4

Moderately fast

Question 5

What are the grace notes?

Answer 5

Appoggiaturas, which are usually played on the beat. Some performs interpret them as acciaccaturas (crushed notes, before the beat)

Question 6

What does minore indicate?

Answer 6

A contrasting section in a minor key, usually the tonic minor

Question 7

What does majore indicate?

Answer 7

A return to the major key

Question 8

What are Stylistic characteristics of this piece?

Answer 8

• short, balanced phrases
• clear homophonic textures with a single melodic line and a simple accompaniment
• straightforward harmonies often based on the primary triads
• well organised formal structure
• modulations to closely related keys
• many detached notes and slurs
• Music from Classical period is usually light and elegant with steady pulse, clearly articulated sound, sparing use of pedal and avoidance of extreme dynamics

Question 9

Who composed Rondo?

Answer 9

Anton Eberl, an Austrian pianist and composer from the Classical period.