A New Leaf? Menuetto from String Quartet in D

This is the second of four movements in a String Quartet I've been working on slowly since last fall, and though there are two other movements more-or-less complete, this is the only movement I feel comfortable presenting for some feedback. I haven't written anything in the string quartet genre since 1990, so this is a long overdue homecoming.

I feel myself changing somewhat as a composer. Hence, though I reserve the right to change my mind, this may be the last minuet I ever write. I've always felt more comfortable with the menuetto form as part of symphonic or chamber works, but I feel like I've worn it out, and I'm ready to move on to other forms instead, such as the scherzo.

This is one of the better minuets I've written, maybe even the best, so it's fitting that it might be the last. Thought I'd share it and find out what people think of it. Thanks for listening as always.

Link to the mp3:

String Quartet in D - 2. Menuetto - Allegro ma non troppo

Score attached.

Wonderful piece! though I should warn you (and maybe you already know it) your music isn't as revivalist as you might think. This mixes the classical style with something which is early romantic, like Schubert or Mendelssohn. And I quite like your style overall.

I felt the weakest part of the piece was the Trio, which melodically didn't appeal to me much. Everything else was wonderful and spotless.

though I should warn you (and maybe you already know it) your music isn't as revivalist as you might think. This mixes the classical style with something which is early romantic, like Schubert or Mendelssohn.

Oh, I'm aware of it all right. I'm a little uncomfortable with it (which may be why I'm reaching out for feedback), but I don't seem to be able to stop it. I'm evolving in a Romantic direction; it's been coming on gradually for a couple of years now. Several times lately I've been compared to Schubert and even Mendelssohn, both idols of mine that I could never identify with as a composer - only as a listener. Now it appears I'm moving in their direction, and maybe beyond. I don't know. I'm just going to go with it and see what happens. What choice do I have? Fight it? That doesn't seem very productive, even if it appeals to me as far as staying consistent with my closely held, lifelong ideals.

Interesting...you thought the Trio was the weakest part of the movement, and I thought it the most charming...or perhaps the most like the 'me' I'm used to.

Thanks very much!

Oh my goodness.

You, Mr. Graham, wrote THIS wonderful piece of music? Oh my! This is ambrosia for the ears and soul. Oh, maybe that is a wee bit of a hyperbola.

M_IS_D is right, your style is meshing, but I could hardly care. It is enchanting music. It is readily apparent to any auspicious soul who has had the privilege to listen to your composition that a piece of your heart is fused into your music.

I wish you well on your adventures and exploration of the 18th century!

Wow...thanks!

that's a good minuetto! and yes.. the trio must be worked better. i heard some of your music, and this is not brilliant (the trio), there are some good parts in it, but lowes a bit the flow of the whole composition, but the first part is just good! i really liked the themes and the interplay between the instruments. also the endings before recapitulation. all cool!

Shouldn't your Trio be in a different key?
Normal usage has the trio in either the relative key, the dominant, or even sub-dominant.

While very dainty and pretty, the two parts of the minuetto were too similar in character.

Thanks all.

the trio must be worked better

While very dainty and pretty, the two parts of the minuetto were too similar in character.

Everyone seems to be in agreement that the trio doesn't fit well. May have to use it for something else.

what if you just try to change it the key... it might sound different, and also changing key you have tio arrange some notes in different places to fit instruments range... maybe try first this way, and then... if it still doenst give you full satisfaction, just beginn a new one and that's it :p

That's a possibility, punki...just transpose it into G, the subdominant. Parts of it would be a little high and screechy...maybe transpose those down an octave. I dunno...something to think about. The Trio is more like a Ländler in character. Maybe it needs to be something else on its own.

There are plenty of examples, by the way, of the Trio of a menuetto being in the same key as the main section. Changing the key was just one way they achieved variety, which is the point of the Trio.