_(_Prestissimo_) is a fairly effective study for
speed and lightness of touch. It is not very difficult to play,
having convenient three-note phrases.

_Romance_ (_Andantino_) is fairly tuneful, but not particularly
interesting. It is a study for the development of the singing
touch.

_Arabeske_ (_Allegro scherzando_) is a sparkling wrist study.

_In the Forest_ (_Allegretto con moto_) is suggestive enough, but
not in MacDowell's finest style. It does not compare favourably
with the forest pieces in his delightful _Woodland Sketches, Op.
51, or with the deeply inspired and mature _New England Idyls,
Op. 62_. Its technical object is the development of delicate
rhythmical playing.

_Dance of the Gnomes_ (_Prestissimo confuoco_), the last study of
Book I, is another piece of imperfectly realised suggestive tone
poetry. It is difficult to play, requiring great crispness of
finger action combined with perfect control of tone volume.

_Idyl_ (_Allegretto_) is No. I of Book II, and has a certain
charm and lyrical beauty, although not one of the composer's best
efforts. It is a study for the cultivation of delicacy, singing
tone and grace.

_Shadow Dance_ (_Allegrissimo_) has just that touch of fanciful
romanticism that MacDowell knew how to infuse into a piece, thus
heightening its interest. The piece is one of the most popular of
MacDowell's shorter pieces and makes a fine solo. From a
technical point of view, it is a valuable study for development
of finger agility combined with lightness of touch.

_Intermezzo_ (_Allegretto_) is tuneful and pleasing, but does not
reach a very high level of poetic writing. It is, however, a
useful exercise for development of independent action of the two
middle fingers of the hand.

_Melodie_ (_Andantino_) is a melodious exercise for cultivating
independence of fingers.

_Scherzino_ (_Allegro_) is a tuneful study for double note
playing with the right hand.

_Hungarian_ (_Presto con fuoco_) has the characteristic fire and
syncopated rhythm of a Brahms' Hungarian Dance, and is a study
for the development of dash, speed and virtuoso playing.

OPUS 40. SIX LOVE SONGS, FOR VOICE AND PIANOFORTE.

_Composed_, 1890. _First Published_, 1890 (Arthur P. Schmidt).

1. _Sweet Blue-Eyed Maid_.

2. _Sweetheart, Tell Me_.

3. _Thy Beaming Eyes_.

4. _For Sweet Love's Sake_.

5. _O Lovely Rose_.

6. _I Ask But This_.

These songs, although not absolutely of the c