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 (24) or compound (68). 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 \(\PageIndex{1}\): Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Violin Concerto No. 9 in G major, Op. 8, III.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Haydn, Piano Sonata in D major, H. XVI:37, III.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Haydn, Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I:104, IV.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Haydn, String Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 33, No. 2, IV.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Mozart, Symphony No. 36 in C major, K.425, IV.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{6}\): Mozart, Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, K.543, IV.
/
Figure \(\PageIndex{7}\): Mozart, String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K.465, IV.
