Rondo

Description

Johann Baptist Wanhal (1739–1813) was a Bohemian-born composer of the Classical era who made his career in Vienna. A contemporary of Haydn and Mozart, he wrote symphonies and chamber music as well as a great many keyboard pieces for playing at home. This Rondo, Op. 42 No. 1, is one of those keyboard works.

It is in C major, in 2/4. As the title says, a friendly theme returns again and again with other sections in between. Over the brisk two-beat pulse, a busy right-hand melody is supported by a plain left-hand accompaniment, in clear Classical style. It is a short piece of about a minute and 370 notes, and its range from G2 to C6 fits comfortably on a 61-key keyboard.

It is rated intermediate. With many notes packed into a short time, it calls for even, clear finger work and a steady beat. Being able to play the theme the same way each time it returns is what makes a rondo work. Check the right-hand figures at a reduced playback speed, loop the theme with A-B repeat, and then raise the tempo while playing the whole piece through.

A broad collection of standalone piano pieces not belonging to any specific set, offering hundreds of varied character pieces to explore and compare.