Chapter 12, Classical Forms: Theme and Variations, Rondo

Symphony No 94, the "Surprise" Symphony

1791, Joseph Haydn, Genre: Symphony, Form: Themes and Variation

Theme and variations

Form occurs when a melody is altered, decorated, or adorned in some way by changing pitch, rhythm, harmony, or even mode (major or minor)

Trumpet Concert in E major

Haydn, 1796, Third movement, Allegro (fast). Genre: Concerto, Form: Rondo

finale

The last movement, often where Rondo is used of a sonata, quartet, or symphony

Rondo Form

Three statements of the refrain (A) and at least two contrasting sections (at least B and C). Often the placement of the refrain creates symmetrical patterns, such as ABACA, ABACABA, or even ABACADA.