Form and Analysis

Rondo

• Forms:
  1. 5-part rondo - A B A C A
  2. 7-part rondo - A B A C A B A
  3. Each "A" section (the Rondo theme) is in the tonic key
  4. The Episodes are typically in closely-related keys
  5. In 7-part rondo, the return of "B" is often times in the original tonic
• Characteristics of the Rondo theme (the refrain):
  1. The Rondo theme is usually a closed form, some type of periodic structure or small-part form (often binary). It ends with a perfect authentic cadence.
  2. Each successive statement of the Rondo theme is often varied or abridged.
  3. The theme will have easily recognizable features, both melodic and rhythmic.
  4. There may be some form of transition between the Rondo theme and the next section.
• Characteristics of the Episodes:
  1. Episodes are contrasting sections separating statements of the Rondo theme. These can be either thematic or developmental.
  2. Episodes a usually in closely-related keys. Typically, the first episode will be in the key of the dominant or the relative major.
  3. There may be motivic or thematic connections between the episodes and the Rondo.
  4. The second episode is usually in a different key than the first episode.
  5. There may be a retransition between an episode and the Rondo theme that follows.
• Coda:
  1. A Coda may be one long unit, or divided into smaller sections.
  2. A Coda usually tonicizes a key other than tonic, frequently the subdominant.
• Analytical considerations:
  1. What is the large-scale tonal scheme? What is the tonal relationship between the episodes and the rondo theme?
  2. What is the form and design of the Rondo theme (thematic, rhythmic, harmonic, etc.)?
  3. What is the formal design of each episode? Are there any motivic connections between episodes, or between each episode and the Rondo theme?
  4. What is the nature of any transition or retransition? How are the modulations effected? Are any developmental techniques used?
  5. What is the design of the Coda (if present)? Are there any connections to previous material?