Edward MacDowell by John F. Porte
page 111 of 159 (69%)
page 111 of 159 (69%)
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2. _From a Wandering Iceberg_ (_Serenely_). This piece suggests a towering iceberg gradually approaching, passing by in all its splendour, and going on toward _realms of burning light_. The tone variety ranges from _as soft and smooth as possible_ to a virile, orchestral _fff_. The melody of the piece is very beautiful and the whole thing has a curious icy clearness about it that is remarkably realistic. The last seven bars contain music as tender and serene as anything MacDowell ever composed. 3. _A.D. 1620_ (_In unbroken rolling rhythm_). This represents the voyage of the pilgrim fathers and is a four-page piece, about double the length of the preceding two. Its character is generally stern, and the rolling of the lumbering ship is vividly suggested. The middle portion consists of a magnificent song marked _Sturdily and sternly, but without change of rhythm_. The tune is not beautiful, but it is strong and inspiring, and in these respects it is unique. Its power is remarkable even for MacDowell. As the preceding part gradually led up to the song, so in its repetition it gradually dies away, as if the ship had approached and passed by, bearing its load of the men, women and children who were to found the great Republic of the West. 4. _Starlight_ (_Tenderly_). This is a tender and beautiful little inspiration. It has a melodic and harmonic outlook of the exquisite poise that marks MacDowell's finest work. The light and shade of the piece call for perfect control of tone production on the part of the performer. It is lighter and more finely conceived than the preceding pieces in this set, and is a very perfect tone suggestion of the loveliness of a quiet, starlit |
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