Minuet & Trio (2018) composed by Ziqian Liu

Minuet & Trio (2018) is a composition that bridges classical tradition and modern harmonic innovation. Created during my time as a music minor at Boston University, this piece explores the formal structure of the minuet and trio, a dance form with roots in the Classical era, while simultaneously pushing its boundaries with contemporary harmonic techniques.

Harmonic Language: While the minuet begins with more conventional harmonic progressions, it quickly moves into more extended harmony, particularly in the form of 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. These richer harmonies, which appear notably toward the end of the Minuet and throughout the Trio, add a modern color to the piece, inviting a tension between tradition and innovation. The use of pedal tones—where the harmony lingers on a sustained note—creates an atmospheric quality that reflects the influence of Impressionist composers like Ravel, who frequently used this technique to blur the distinction between harmonic and melodic elements.

Originally, I had to rewrite the second half of the Trio at the insistence of Dr. Mary Montgomery Koppel, who emphasized the use of functional harmony. However, the version currently presented is my original one, showcasing my foray into the Impressionist aesthetic and my deep appreciation of Ravel. This version diverges from traditional harmonic expectations and emphasizes a more fluid, atmospheric approach.

The conclusion of the work features a bold use of extended harmonies and pedal tones, creating a suspended, ethereal atmosphere. The piece gradually shifts into a minor tonality, ending with a final unresolved harmonic progression that evokes a sense of introspection and ambiguity. This serves as a final nod to Ravel’s influence, offering a rich and complex resolution that challenges conventional expectations.

Through Minuet & Trio (2018), I aim to honor classical structures while embracing contemporary approaches to harmony, texture, and rhythm. The result is a work that blends the old and the new, inviting listeners to experience both the timeless beauty of the minuet and the modern complexity of its evolution.

The Rewriting of the Trio’s Second Half: The second half of the Trio was rewritten under the guidance of Dr. Mary Montgomery Koppel, who advocated for more functional harmonic choices. While this revised version adheres to more traditional expectations, the presented version is my original, showcasing a departure from harmonic functionality and embracing a more free-flowing, atmospheric approach. This divergence highlights my exploration of Impressionist music, focusing on mood and color rather than strict harmonic progression.

Conclusion and Final Harmony: The ending of the piece features bold extended harmonies and a continued use of pedal tones, creating a rich and suspended resolution. As the piece progresses toward its conclusion, it shifts into a minor tonality, leaving the listener with an unresolved, introspective quality. This final minor shift, coupled with the suspended harmonies, evokes a sense of emotional complexity and ambivalence, inviting reflection on the piece’s journey and leaving the ending open-ended. This choice adds a layer of depth and complexity, challenging the listener to explore the emotional terrain beyond the final note.

Impressionist Influence: The Minuet is particularly imbued with an Impressionist aesthetic, reflecting Ravel’s delicate approach to texture and harmony. Throughout this section, I sought to mirror Ravel’s use of fluidity, creating a piece that is as much about color and tone as it is about structure. The Trio section, in contrast, introduces a more ethereal, dreamlike quality, diverging from the functional harmony that would be expected in a traditional trio.

Analysis of Minuet & Trio (2018):

Form and Structure: The piece adheres to the classical minuet and trio structure, but with significant modern reinterpretations. The Minuet section follows the traditional ABA form, presenting a dance-like, elegant theme that gradually evolves through increasingly complex harmonic language. The Trio contrasts both in texture and mood, introducing a lighter, more introspective section that challenges the listener’s expectations of a classical trio.

The Minuet section reflects my deep appreciation for composers like Maurice Ravel, with its delicate textures and nuanced rhythms. I sought to evoke the elegance of a traditional minuet while infusing it with a modern sensibility, particularly through the use of extended chords and rich harmonic progressions. The piece flows seamlessly into the Trio, which contrasts with lighter, more unexpected elements, further breaking from tradition.