Rondo

A form in which a recurring refrain alternates with contrasting episodes (couplets). Standard designation: ABACADA. In late-Classical practice the rondo is typically the final movement of a sonata — providing a lighter, often dance-like contrast to the more serious first movement. Dussek favours the rondo as a finale in nearly all his multi-movement sonatas and frequently gives it colourful sub-labels: \"Rondo à la Militaire,\" \"Rondo scherzo,\" \"Rondo pastorale,\" signalling the specific character he intends.

In a rondo finale, establish the refrain's character clearly on its first statement — it must be recognisable as \"home\" every time it returns. Contrast episodes should feel genuinely different: change touch, registration, and projection in each one. Dussek's rondo episodes often feature sequential modulations that move quickly to remote keys — keep the harmonic direction audible so the eventual return to the refrain feels like a genuine arrival, not just another passage.