rondo form
A musical form in which a recurring main theme alternates with contrasting episodes
In Depth
The rondo is built on the principle of return: a main theme (A) appears at least three times, separated by contrasting episodes (B, C, etc.). The simplest rondo follows an ABACA pattern; more complex versions like the sonata-rondo combine rondo returns with sonata-form development. The form is particularly suited to finales because the recurring theme provides energy and familiarity, while the episodes offer contrast and surprise. Mozart and Beethoven both wrote masterful rondos.
Beethoven's Für Elise is in rondo form (ABACA), which is why the famous opening theme keeps coming back — it is the rondo refrain.