…from Pianisms

Started in 2024, “Rondo-B’out” is a simple piece in rondo form for piano solo.

“Rondo” has some relationship to the more familiar chorus/verse/chorus form found in many songs, since it has a section that is repeated like a chorus. But the Baroque or Classical form generally starts with the “chorus” (the A section), and the “verse” (B, C, etc.) are sections usually very different from A, and from each other. The form ABACA is common, though there are several others, all repeating the A section.

This piece is in ABA’CA (A’ implies that the section is modified from the original A). The thematic motif in the A section is four measures long, but launches immediately into several variations, a bridge section, a repeat of A revoiced and aimed at a climax, before wandering off towards the first contrasting section (B). When A returns (as A’), the tempo and dynamics have been greatly reduced, though it eventually quotes a portion of the original A before reaching a bridge to the C section. The final A section is a full repeat of the original, with only minor changes, including a quiet coda.

Being as I’m not a pianist, this composition (and the others to follow) are an attempt to exploit the abilities of a traditional classical pianist. As such, the work is fairly demanding, with fast tempos, rapid octave melodic lines, repeated chord clusters, large intervals requiring arm crossing, etc. However, I’ve avoided the excesses of more recent compositional styles for the instrument such as plucked strings, blocked key groups, piano preparation, etc. Anyone familiar with my work here will recognize the presence of traditional tonal centers, with my usual affection for added tones and sudden key changes. The B and C sections, in particular, weave more traditional melodic treatments with striking key changes and clusters.

The export below (as of March. 27, 2025) is complete, but as always, subject to change.