1885.] on Worlcs of Living Composers for the Pianoforte. 173 



rare cleverness in handling a phrase of singular nobility and beauty. 

 In the Cap'iccio we admire ingenuity and spirit, humour and fresh- 

 ness of invention, it is a piece full of caprice and obstinacy but also 

 of gentleness and amiability. 



No. 3. — Joseph Rheinberger 



(Born March 17, 1839, at Vaduz, Lichtenstein). 



Toccata, op. 12. 



This composer is an exceedingly clever, thoroughly instructed, 

 and experienced artist; the chief qualities of his works are a natural 

 and fresh healthy expression, an agreeable unpretentiousness, and 

 decided strength. The Toccata is a truly excellent and spirited 

 composition, full of fire, variety, and enthusiasm. 



No. 4. — Peter Tschaikowsky 

 (Born December 25, 1840, at Wotkinski, Government of Perm). 



(a) Chanson sans paroles in F. 



(b) Trn^a, inE. 



This composer represents the national Russian element; his works 

 surprise us by their staitling changes of harmony, while their fresh, 

 pulsating rhythmical life offers a decided charm, and the construc- 

 tion of his melodies excites our interest by their quaintness and 

 simplicity. 



No. 5. — Edvaed Grieg 

 (Born June 15, 1843, at Bergen, Norway). 



(a) " On the Mountains." 



(b) " Norwegian Bridal Procession passing hy." 



E. Grieg's pianoforte-pieces take hold at once of the attention and 

 favour of the amateurs; their striking originality and individuality 

 cannot fail to excite ioterest; his works are eminently influenced by 

 Norwegian melodies, and thus they represent in a most pleasant 

 manner Norwegian life and character. The first piece possesses a 

 rugred, sturdy, healthy force and vigour ; the second may be justly 

 considered as one of the most delicious musical genre-pictures. 



No. 6. — Xaver Scharwenka 



(Born January 6, 1850, at Samter, Posen). 



Polish Dances, op. 3. 



In Scharwenka we possess one of the most richly gifted composers 

 of the present time ; his melodies are fresh, genuine, and well 



