sonata-rondo

noun

so·​na·​ta-ron·​do

plural sonata-rondos

: a musical form that combines sonata form and rondo (see rondo entry 1 sense 3) form typically by treating the second theme group as the first rondo episode and the development (see development sense 6) as the second episode and in which the recapitulation is followed by a restatement of the first theme

From an historical point of view it is particularly distinguished as it is the first example of sonata-rondo, the form which mixed elements of the simple rondo with the idea of development inherent in the more serious first movement, or sonata form.

—Raymond Leppard, Raymond Leppard on Music, 1993

also : a composition in this form compare rondeau, rondo

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!