What Is a Rondo?

The Rondo is a musical form that is based around a main theme alternated with secondary themes of music. The Rondo form is commonly used as part of a larger form, such as a movement in a symphony. Many great composers such as Beethoven and Brahms favored the Rondo as a section in their symphonies and other musical compositions.

ABA Ternary Form

The Rondo is based off of a smaller musical form called the ternary form. Ternary form has three sections: A, B and A (ABA). A is the main theme surrounding a middle section, B.

ABACA Form

The basic Rondo form consists of three themes, ABC, where the A section is repeated three times. The A section can be modified each time it returns, though it is always based off the main theme.

ABACABA Form

The "standard" Rondo form is basically the same as the basic Rondo form, though there is one extra occurrence of the A and B themes.

ABACADA Form

Sometimes in longer pieces the second B section is replaced with new material and labeled D. This form has a new section of music in between each A section.

History

The Rondo became popular in the Classical era, 1750 through 1825, and has continued to be used in pieces up to this day.

Examples

Brahms Symphony No. 3, fourth movement and Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, second movement, are both examples of the standard, ABACABA, Rondo form.

Fun Fact

The Rondo is so named because the main theme keeps coming "'round" again.

Resources

• Guide to Classical Music Forms