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 sea.

5. Song (In changing moods).  This opens softly with a cheery song which has a rough and hearty chorus.  A deeper emotion is sounded where the music is marked passionately, and after this comes a passage of wistful tenderness.  The song is resumed, together with its chorus, but near the end the tender portion is recalled, and the piece ends with a subdued and thoughtful reminiscence of the air.

6. From the Depths (In languid swaying rhythm).This is one of MacDowell’s greater inspirations and is headed:—­

  And who shall sound the mystery of the seas.

This is a magnificent tone poem.  We first have a picture of the sea, calm, but sinister, and then we see it working up to its full power and fury in a storm.  The gradations of tone range from a sombre, mysterious ppp to an fff of furious power.  The writing is very full and rich, and there are passages of a stupendous strength and magnificence of effect seldom found outside MacDowell’s own music.

7. Nautilus (Delicately, gracefully).  This is headed:—­

  A fairy sail and a fairy boat

and is the gem of the set.  The writing is of exquisite gracefulness and charm.  The scenery, as the little voyage proceeds, is of fresh loveliness and constantly changing, while the curious, indecisive rhythm is unmistakably suggestive of an uncanny boat trip in quiet water.  The whole piece is one of perpetual charm and delight to the ear.

8. In Mid-Ocean (With deep feeling).  Here we find the deeper note struck again:—­

  Inexorable!  Thou straight line of eternal fate....