Rondo. (Classical) An extended Ternary form. The basic principle is a repeating A section alternating with new material.

 

Five part Rondo

A

B

A

C

A

 or

A

B

A

B

A

A is in the tonic and B and C are in closely related keys

Seven part Rondo

A

B

A

C

A

B

A

Sonata Rondo

A

B

A

C

A

B

A

T

D

T

development

T

T

T

 

  

The A section has been called PRIMARY, refrain and ritornello

The alternating sections have been named: ALTERNATING, couplet, digression, episode and intermezzo