First Published, 1899 (Arthur P. Schmidt).
1. Constancy (New England, A.D. 1899).
2. Sunrise.
3. Merry Maiden Spring.
The verses of these songs are MacDowell's own, and both words and music here go to make up song writing of an order that is rare in its beauty of expression, tender thought and pure lyricism.
In Constancy (New England, A.D. 1899), indicated Simply, but with deep feeling, we have one of MacDowell's best songs. It has a tenderness and wistfulness about it that is irresistible, and sung in the spirit of its words, which tell of an empty house and neglected garden, it is a very beautiful thing.
Sunrise, marked With power and authority, is short and tells of the sorrowful spectacle of a wrecked and broken ship. The actual scene, however, seems secondary to its own significance as a symbol of human life. The music is heavy after the style of certain of the composer's pianoforte Sea Pieces (Op. 55).
The third and last song, Merry Maiden Spring, is charming, with a singularly bright and captivating freshness. It is indicated to be sung Lightly, gracefully.
OPUS 59. FOURTH SONATA, KELTIC, IN E MINOR, FOR PIANOFORTE.
First Published, 1901 (Arthur P. Schmidt).