effect. Last year her "Gaelic Symphony," in E
minor, was played in Boston and also in Brooklyn by the Boston
Orchestra. Her instrumentation is said to be excellent and the work a
very strong one.
Among the many clever compositions of Mrs. Beach's the following are
perhaps the most suitable for our use:
Ballad for the pianoforte, dedicated to Mme. Fanny Bloomfield-Zeisler;
a seriously made composition with a beautiful principal melody,
cleverly developed, and a good deal of dramatic power in the working
out of the middle part. A composition of considerable difficulty for
the player, and also capable of very excellent effect when well done.
There are also four sketches--"In Autumn," "Dreaming," "Phantoms,"
"Fireflies." "In Autumn," a very sprightly composition in F-sharp
minor, in a good 4/8 rhythm, capable of very charming effect.
"Dreaming," a meditative sustained melody in the key of G-flat, resting
upon a triplet motion in the middle part, with harmonies sensitively
changing at unexpected places, capable of most beautiful effect; also
an excellent study in cantabile. "Phantoms," a scherzo or
quasi-mazurka, very sprightly and pleasing. "Fireflies," a very
delightful study in thirds for the right hand, with novel and modern
fingering; therefore extremely well adapted for study. This, when well
done, must be very beautiful, but it is necessary that the thirds be
played with the utmost lightness and equality. It is more difficult,
and also more extended than either of the preceding, but extremely well
worth attention.
There are also three interesting pieces not so difficult in their
working out. First, there is a "Barcarolle" in G minor, opus 28, No.
1; a very attractive rhythm and an extremely attractive harmonic
treatment. This is a piece to be played with pleasure by any amateur
of taste. It is only of moderate difficulty, as, for instance, sixth
grade. Perhaps a little less attractive, but more easy of execution,
is the "Menuet Italien," No. 2 of the same opus as the preceding. This
is remarkably well worked out, however. The third piece in the same
opus is a waltz, "Dance of the Flowers," bright, sparkling, evanescent;
clever for the piano, and attractive if well done.
Best of all, perhaps, is a "Romance for Violin and Piano," which is
dedicated to Miss Maud Powell. This is a very delightful piece, and
would make an admirable conclusion to a program. It requires good
playing in all the part
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