_Novelette_ is an attractive study and full of the composer's own individual spirit. It is considered to be one of the best of the set. _Moto Perpetuo_ is cleverly written and musical. _Wild Chase_ is one of those exhilarating, imaginative pieces so characteristic of MacDowell. It is full of outdoor poetry and suggestive of a wild and glorious ride over the great American prairies, or of a dream gallop full of breathless fancy. _Improvisation_ exhibits the composer's finer poetry and mastery of his art. _Elfin Dance_ is suggestive and imaginative. _Valse Triste_ is expressive and interesting, although not one of the most distinguished of the set. _Burlesque_ is a musical number, bright in spirit and free from commonplace. _Bluette_ is a beautiful piece of tone painting. _Traumerei_ has a certain beauty of its own, indicating the composer's capacity for deep expression. _March Wind_ is full of the wild open-air breeziness associated in our thoughts with the subject of its inspiration, and captures the imagination. 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 & Härtel). 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.