The Third Rondo Form
In this form of composition there are three digressions from the
Principal theme. But, in order to avert the excess of variety, so
imminent in a design of such length, the digressions are so planned
that the third one corresponds to the first. That is, there are here
again only two Subordinate themes (as in the Second Rondo-form), which
alternate with each other, so that the succession of thematic factors
is as follo
s: Principal Theme; 1st Subordinate Theme; Principal Theme;
2d Subordinate Theme; Principal Theme; 1st Subordinate Theme; Principal
Theme; and coda.
It will be observed that this arrangement is another confirmation and
embodiment of the Three-Part (tripartite) form, with its recurrence of
the first section, magnified into larger proportions than any examples
thus far seen. The three portions are called, Divisions. The first
is known as the Exposition, comprising the Principal Theme, First
Subordinate Theme, and recurrence of the Principal Theme; the second
division consists of the Second Subordinate Theme only; the Third
Division is the Recapitulation of the first Division.