Rondo Alla Turca (Part A) | Piano Play-Along
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Composed around 1783 and published in 1784, “Rondo Alla Turca” is the third and final movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331. Commonly known as the “Turkish March,” this lively piece draws on the popular 18th-century European fascination with Turkish (Ottoman) military music, particularly the sound of Janissary bands, which used percussion-heavy instrumentation and exotic rhythmic patterns.
The movement is written in rondo form (ABACAB’-Coda), with a recurring main theme that alternates contrasting episodes. The spirited principal theme mimics the percussive and rhythmic qualities of Turkish music through staccato articulation, quick repeated notes, and a strong, march-like pulse. This piece showcases Mozart’s wit and virtuosity and remains one of his most beloved and recognizable piano works.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27th 1756 in Salzburg, Austria. A child prodigy, he learned music from his father Leopold, a talented composer, court violinist, and author of an important book on violin technique entitled, “Treatise on Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing”. From the age of 6, Mozart was touted around Europe and forced to perform for various aristocrats, one of which being Queen Marie Antoinette of France.
