Was Rondo Alla Turca Composed by Mozart or Beethoven?

There are two famous Turkish rondos that have long been associated with the classical composers Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. These works, Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major K. 331 - III: All A Turca - Allegretto by Mozart and the Marcia alla Turca from Beethoven's incidental music for The Ruins of Athens, are often mentioned together in discussions about classical music.

However, it's a common misconception that the march in Beethoven’s music is the only or most well-known example of a Turkish-style rondo in the classical era. In fact, Beethoven’s Turkish March, which is from his incidental music to The Ruins of Athens, is not the only "Turkish-style" composition. The term "Rondo alla Turca" has a specific reference to Mozart's work, and it is his composition that is often what people think of when they hear the term.

Misconceptions About Beethoven’s Turkish March

You might be confusing Beethoven’s Turkish March from his incidental music to The Ruins of Athens with Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, which is the third and final movement of his Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major K. 331. Despite the association, the march in Beethoven's incidental music actually appeared first and later became known as 6 Variations on an Original Theme (Opp. 76).

Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca

The third final movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major K. 331 is often recapitulated as the Marcia alla Turca. Mozart's title for this movement is simply "Ala Turca". At the time, there was a great fascination for Turkish-style music in Vienna, leading to this period of musical exploration.

Mozart’s fascination with Turkish and related styles of music is not unique to this movement. He composed another piece during the same period, the opera Abduction from the Seraglio (Entführung aus dem Serail), which further demonstrates his interest in the oriental and Turkish themes of the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term "Rondo Alla Turca" is primarily associated with Mozart’s work from his Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major K. 331, not Beethoven’s incidental music. However, both composers have made significant contributions to classical music, with Beethoven’s Turkish March from his incidental music being a well-known and beloved example.