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Music vocabulary · Melody, Form and Songwriting

Rondo

Meaning in music, with examples

nounCommon term

In music, rondo means: A musical form in which a main section returns between contrasting sections, often following a pattern such as ABACA.

In Turkish: rondo

How it is used

Used in analysis and programme notes. Identify each return of the main section before comparing the contrasting episodes.

Example sentences

  1. The class labelled the piece a rondo after hearing the opening section return twice.

    Repeated returns of the main material provide evidence for the form label.

  2. In this rondo, the darker middle episode makes the bright main theme sound fresh again.

    The contrast between an episode and the returning theme shapes the listener's experience.

Common collocations

  • rondo form
  • rondo theme
  • rondo finale
  • binary formA musical structure with two main sections, usually called A and B, which contrast or repeat in a balanced way.
  • melodyA sequence of single notes that forms a recognisable musical line, often the part that people remember and sing along to.
  • composeTo create an original piece of music, especially instrumental or classical music, film music or music written down in notation.

More terms: Melody, Form and Songwriting

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