noun
rondo
RAHN-doh/ˈrɑːndəʊ/
A musical form in which a main theme returns between contrasting sections.
In this rondo, the main theme returns after each contrasting section.
Etymology
Rondel meant a small circle and named a poem whose opening couplet returned at the end. That image of returning material connects with the rondo’s recurring principal musical theme.
More examples
- The symphony ends with a lively rondo.
- Her rondo alternates a cheerful main melody with darker passages.
- We compare two rondos and mark each return of the main theme.
Forms
rondo · rondos