What is Rondo Form?

       Rondos typically have three sections of music, all in different keys.  The first section that is played 
is the "theme" and is labeled "A".  The second and third sections are "episodes" and are labeled "B" and "C".
After the theme an episode is played.  The music must return to the theme before another episode can be 
played.  After the last episode, the A theme must be played to end the rondo.  The two most used patterns 
of rondos in the Classical era are A-B-A-C-A and A-B-A-C-A-B-A.

       Mozart Rondo No. 3 in A minor, K 511 (1787)  Seong-Jin Cho, piano  (7:30, clipped)

       Mozart composed this work on the death of a friend.  It has an overall sense of melancholy and sadness.  
       Occasionally it brightens up for a brief while, but then slides back, even touching on some profound 
       grief and tragedy.

       The piece is introspective and private, while exuding a thoughtful, measured elegance throughout.   
        It is touching and beautiful, simple and perfect. 

        The Rondo theme is a pensive melody which looks forward to Chopin.


       The work follows the common A-B-A-C-A pattern characteristic of the rondo form.

       Notice the chromatic passages between segments!  (Online Piano)

      Forms within forms:  Imbedded sub-forms