Lesson Plan

 

1.  In our lessons about Form we have talked about Binary (A B ), Ternary (A B A), and Theme and Variation (A A' A'' A''' A'''') Form.  Today we will be talking

     about Rondo Form.

 

Definition: Rondo Form is when a melody (A) alternates between the other Sections (A B A C A; A B A C A D A; or A B A C A B A).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                            A                                                   B                                                 A                                                 C                                               A

 

 

     The Rondo Form is like an extension of Ternary Form; however, instead of two sections (A B A) Rondo Form typically has three (A B C) or four distinct

     Sections (A B C D).  The Rondo Form may also have more than four Sections, but will alway alternate each new Section with the A Section.  

 

     When the main melody (A) returns in Rondo Form it is often slightly different (Prime) each time.  Furthermore, the other Sections (B C D...) usually sound

     quite different from the A Section - different key, tonality, texture, or overall style.

 

2.  Rondo Form is almost exclusively found in classical music.  Let's listen to an example that you have probably heard before.