Rondo

As Printed on a Score

Printed as a movement heading, often in capitals (RONDO), above or beside the tempo word — Rondo. Allegro, RONDO with Allegretto moderato — and sometimes inside an instruction such as Attacca subito il Rondo. It is a form label, not a performance direction, so it has no scope; the tempo word beside it sets the pace.

How Composers Use It

Rondo is the standard finale form — the recurring refrain gives the listener something to anticipate and enjoy, while episodes provide contrast and adventure. The refrain should be memorable and satisfying on each return. Vary it subtly each time — new orchestration, decoration, or register.

Example

Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 (“Waldstein”), third movement, m. 1: “RONDO” printed with “Allegretto moderato” and “sempre pp”, entered attacca from the slow Introduzione.

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