Chapter 12:
The Symphony
Rondo Form
Key Terms
Rondo form
Rondo
Episodes
Sonata rondos
Finale
Closing Movement
Fast to very fast in tempo
Sonata or rondo form favored
• Sonata-rondo hybrid sometimes used
Light, tuneful, brilliant character
• May borrow popular or folk tunes
• Provides an exciting conclusion
Rondo Form (1)
Based on principles of contrast and
return
Light, tuneful rondo theme recurs
throughout the movement
Contrasting episodes separate rondo
theme statements
Possible formats include:
• A B A C A Coda
• ABACABA
• ABACADA
(A = rondo theme)
Rondo Form (2)
Episodes
Contrasting sections
• Tuneful in smaller works
• Developmental and unstable in larger works
Because audiences know the rondo theme
will return, composers play with that
expectation at the end of many episodes
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(1)
You want to recognize the tune when it comes
back, so…
Get to know the rondo theme
Consider these elements:
•
•
•
•
•
Melody - Articulation - Form
Mode - Harmony
Rhythm - Meter - Tempo
Tone color - Register - Dynamics
Texture - Accompaniment
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(2)
Haydn’s rondo theme
Note the a, b, & c phrases
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(3)
Features of Haydn’s rondo theme
Melody simple tune based on rhythmic
motives
Articulation mix of staccato and legato
Form |: a :||: bc :|
Mode major
Rhythm varied, fast-moving
Meter duple
Tempo fast
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(4)
More rondo theme features
Tone color orchestra, first strings, then
flute, oboe, bassoon, horns
Register middle to high
Dynamics soft
Texture homophonic
Accompaniment simple, mostly staccato
figures (does not distract from melody)
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(5)
Haydn’s Episodes
1st:
2nd:
Elaborate, dramatic fugal sections
Power of full orchestra
Tonally unstable
Occasional surprises! (Episode 2)
Continuous motion, few cadences
Fugue subject uses opening motive of
rondo theme
Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV
(6)
Haydn’s Use of Surprise
Play from Episode 2 to end
C section “storm” interrupts fugue
Long retransition to last rondo statement
New harmonies for rondo theme
Coda interrupts rondo theme after first
phrase
Sharp contrasts between piano and forte
Rondo Form Review
Sectional, with clear cadences and distinct
sections
Based on principles of contrast and return
Rondo theme a simple, easily recognized
tune with symmetrical phrases and clear
cadences
Typical format for Classical rondo:
• A B A C A (Coda)
Classical Symphony Review
Originated and came to prominence in
Classical period
Large, multimovement work for orchestra
Each movement a distinct, complete
musical work
Contrasts between movements (form,
themes, key, etc.) embody Classical
concept of “pleasing variety”
Symphony Movement
Plan Review
Movement I – moderate to fast tempo,
sonata form
Movement II – slow tempo, no fixed form
(sonata form, variations, rondo, or other)
Movement III – moderate tempo, triple
meter, minuet form
Movement IV – fast tempo, rondo form or
sonata form