Section 25.4 Rondo Character
Rondo character is characterized by quick tempo in duple meter with light character, typically achieved through the use of staccato articulation. This duple meter could be either simple (\(\begin{smallmatrix}2\\4\end{smallmatrix}\)) or compound (\(\begin{smallmatrix}6\\8\end{smallmatrix}\)). During the Classical era, the final movement of a multi-movement composition, e.g. a sonata, quartet, or symphony, was often in rondo character. Not all pieces in rondo form are in rondo character.
Listen to the following seven examples to develop familiarity with rondo character.
Figure 25.4.1. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Violin Concerto No. 9 in G major, Op. 8, III. Figure 25.4.2. Haydn, Piano Sonata in D major, H. XVI:37, III. Figure 25.4.3. Haydn, Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I:104, IV. Figure 25.4.4. Haydn, String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 33, No. 2, IV. Figure 25.4.5. Mozart, Symphony No. 36 in C major, K.425, IV. Figure 25.4.6. Mozart, Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K.543, IV. Figure 25.4.7. Mozart, String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K.465, IV.
