Composed, Wiesbaden, Early Summer, 1887.
First Published, 1887 (J. Hainauer. British Empire—Winthrop Rogers, Ltd.).
1. Humoresque.
2. March.
3. Cradle Song.
4. Czardas (Friska).
The interval of time between the preceding work and these pieces is explained by the fact that MacDowell and his wife had been travelling, and the latter had passed through a dangerous illness at Wiesbaden. The Four Pieces for Pianoforte (__ 24) were among the first productions of the composer after his return to Wiesbaden, and date from that delightful period when he lived with his wife in a cottage in the woods, some way from the town. The pieces under notice are tuneful and well written, but quite devoid of the individuality that distinguishes the composer's later works. The brilliant Czardas was revised by MacDowell in his later period.
OPUS 25. SECOND SYMPHONIC POEM, LANCELOT AND ELAINE, FOR FULL ORCHESTRA.
Composed, Wiesbaden, 1887-8. First American Performance at Boston, Mass., January 10th, 1890, at a Symphony Concert Conducted by Nikisch. First Published, 1888 (J. Hainauer).
Dedicated to Templeton Strong.