rondeau

A Baroque keyboard form in which a fixed refrain alternates with contrasting episodes (couplets). The rondeau returns in full after each episode. Rameau labels many of his character pieces en Rondeau (La Villageoise, La Joyeuse, Les Tourbillons).

Shape each return of the refrain slightly differently in touch or registration. Couplets may be more improvisatory; the refrain should always sound settled and definitive. Never rush the return - the rondeau is the emotional anchor.