1. Chapter 12: The Symphony Rondo Form

2. Key Terms Rondo form Rondo Episodes Sonata rondos Finale

3. 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

4. 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 (A = rondo theme) A B A C A B A A B A C A D A

5. 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

6. 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

7. Haydn, Symphony No. 95, IV (2) Haydn’s rondo theme Note the a, b, & c phrases

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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”

14. 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