The Pool of Reflection
A Piano Trio Suite
by Shuang Wu (2024)
Duration: ca. 27 minutes.
Program notes:
This piano trio suite “The Pool of Reflection” is a collection of compositions that are structurally influenced and inspired by other pieces. Looking into the pool of reflection, you see the life journey of other people.
Movement I “The Spirit Prelude” reflects the exciting beginning of the protagonist’s journey in this world, starting with their spirit. Structurally it is loosely reflecting “The Spirit Carries On”, a song by Dream Theater.
Movement II “Nocturhapsody” is a nocturne reflecting the protagonist’s youthful sentiments. Structurally it is loosely reflecting “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
Movement III “Allegro” is an abstract piece reflecting protagonist’s life at their prime age. Structurally it is in a standard sonata form reflecting countless allegro movements in the masterpieces from classical and romantic eras.
Movement IV “Masqueresque” is reflecting the protagonist’s middle age with a broken spirit. They must put on a mask when interacting with the world, and life to them has become a masquerade. Structurally it is loosely reflecting “Humoresque” No. 7 in Gb by Antonín Dvořák (Op. 101).
Movement V “Atom and the variations” is reflecting the end of the protagonist’s journey where their flesh is just atoms after all, but their spirit goes on wandering. Structurally it is loosely reflecting “Atom Heart Mother”, a suite by Pink Floyd.