A rondo is a musical form in which one main theme (called the refrain) alternates with contrasting themes (called episodes). Generally, a rondo has a lighter mood and often serves as the final movement of a multi-movement composition such as a symphony, string quartet, or concerto. A schematic of a standard five-part Rondo Form is: A B A C A (with A being the refrain and B and C representing contrasting episodes).
The RWS composition Rondo Pizzicato by Mekel Rogers offers a wonderful opportunity to teach students the concept of rondo form while playing engaging, accessible music.
The structure of this seven-part rondo is as follows:
- A – measures 1-8 (main theme)
- B – measures 9-14 (first contrasting episode)
- A – measures 15-18 (abridged version of the main theme)
- C – measures 19-26 (second contrasting episode)
- A – measures 27-34 (main theme returns)
- B – measures 35-40 (variation of the first episode)
- A – measures 41-end (final statement of the main theme)
In performance, conductors can use the composition as an opportunity to teach the audience about rondo form and even have students demonstrate the various sections of the rondo with posters or other visuals.
I sincerely hope that conductors, students, and audiences will enjoy performing this work.
