Rondo Flashcards
What is a rondo?
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
What time is Rondo in?
Compound duple time, each bar contains 6 quavers grouped into 2 dotted crotchet beats
What key is Rondo in?
C major, with bars 27-64 mostly in C minor
What does allegretto mean?
Moderately fast
What are the grace notes?
Appoggiaturas, which are usually played on the beat. Some performers interpret them as acciaccaturas (crushed notes, before the beat)
What does minore indicate?
A contrasting section in a minor key, usually the tonic minor
What does majore indicate?
A return to the major key
What are Stylistic characteristics of Rondo?
- 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
Who composed Rondo?
Anton Eberl, an Austrian pianist and composer from the Classical period.
When and when was the composer of rondo born, and when and where did he die?
Anton Eberl was born in Vienna 1765 and died there in 1807
What did the composer of Rondo do?
Anton Eberl was possibly a pupil of Mozart, spent several years in St Petersburg as a teacher, court musician and conductor, returned to Vienna as a highly regarded composer
What did the composer of Rondo compose?
Anton Eberl’s compositions include operas, symphonies and piano concertos, and sonantas, variations, and fantasias.
What is a sonatine? What was part of the composer’s sonatine?
A sonatine is a piece for one or two instruments in short contrasting movements. Eberl’s sonatine contains three movements, Allegro, Andante and Rondo: Allegretto
What form is Rondo in?
Ternary (ABA form). Could be described as compound ternary as each section contains distinct subsections. Similar to rondo form
Rondo section A 1
1-8 Main theme, light and playful like a jig. Consists of a pair of balanced 4 bar phrases mostly in C major. Modulates briefly to G major in bar 3. Second phrase remains in C major
9-18 Secondary theme, continuing in C major often with a repeated dominant note in the bass.
19-26 Main theme, same as 1-8