SIX FANCIES, FOR PIANOFORTE.
First Published, 1898 (P.L. Jung). Assigned 1899, to Arthur P. Schmidt.
1. A Tin Soldier's Love.
2 .To a Humming Bird.
3. Summer Song.
4. Across Fields.
5. Bluette.
6. An Elfin Round.
This is a characteristic album, the pieces in it being imaginative and suggestive, in tone poetry, of their subjects, although not of the composer's deepest inspiration.
1.A Tin Soldier's Love (Gently, with Feeling). This little piece opens with a sweet and simple theme, followed by a toy-like march tune, and these make up the material of the piece.
2. To a Humming Bird (As fast and light as possible). There is nothing very striking about this piece. It is imaginative, and when played at the required speed, with lightness of touch, is effective. It has been arranged as a violin solo with pianoforte accompaniment.
3. Summer Song (Not fast). This is characteristic of MacDowell in its clear-sounding harmonies, and has a certain charm and fragrance of its own.
4. Across Fields (Lightly and joyously). This piece opens with a happy and characteristic tune. The whole atmosphere suggested in its two pages is singularly bright, sunny and fresh.
5. Bluette (Gracefully). This is the most MacDowell-like piece of the Six Fancies, some of its rich harmonies and characteristic key transitions being reminiscent of the composer's finer work.
6. An Elfin Round (Very swift and light). The full effect of this piece can only be felt if it is played at a great speed, with extreme lightness of touch. The feeling is not very deep, as the occasion does not demand it, but it is a fanciful and suggestive little creation.