For a minute or so we can escape the heavy
atmosphere confined within four walls and rush with the sweeping
wind, high above cities and out over the broad, rolling country
beyond. The study has a background of spaciousness that suggests
American scenery.

_Impromptu_ is interesting and musical.

_Polonaise_ has brilliance and is well and effectively conceived
for big pianoforte tone production.

OPUS 47. EIGHT SONGS, FOR VOICE AND PIANOFORTE.

_Composed_, 1893. _First Published_, 1893 (Breitkopf & Haertel).

1. _The Robin Sings in the Apple Tree._

2. _Midsummer Lullaby._

3. _Folk Song._

4. _Confidence._

5. _The West Wind Croons in the Cedar Trees._

6. _In the Woods._

7. _The Sea._

8. _Through the Meadow._

With the composition of these songs, MacDowell fairly entered
into his finest and most mature period. They are beautiful,
characteristic, and full of that engaging romance, piquancy and
poetic charm that distinguishes his best lyrical work.

_The Robin Sings in the Apple Tree_ is written to the composer's
own words, which may be found in the published book of his
verses. The song is infinitely tender and tinged with that
wistfulness that he so often infused into his music. Particularly
beautiful is the spirit of the last verse:--

_O robin, and thou blackbird brave,
My songs of love have died;
How can you sing as in byegone days,
When she was at my side._

_Midsummer Lullaby_ has much charm and grace in its refined and
sensitive verse inspiration.

_Folk Song_ is characteristic and melodious.

_Confidence_ shows a lyric power of unusual quality and although
the music is not always in sympathy with the verse, the true
spirit of poetry is there.

_The West Wind Croons in the Cedar Trees_ is written to the lines
of MacDowell's little poem entitled, _To Maud_. This song is
beautiful and full of feeling, and tells in its three verses of
Love's expectation, doubt and disappointment. The music is allied
with perfect sympathy to the words.

_In the Woods_ was written to the composer's lines after Goethe.
This song is a pure lyric, touched with just enough romance to
deepen its significance.

_The Sea_ is well written, showing some of the power and
healthiness of the true MacDowell open-air spirit.

_Through the Meadow_ makes an exquisite vocal piece, thoroughly
attractive in its freshness. It is a song of the true nature-poet,
breathing the atmosphere of it