45, was completed in 1899. Polk's recording reveals music awash in Romanticism, but it is never sugary sweet or overly sentimental. The brief third movement evokes a darker mood while a solo from the piano introduces a finale that is full of bright tunes. Beach finished her Quintet in F-sharp Minor, Op. 67, for piano and string quartet in 1907. The music begins slowly in the strings and builds into an emotional piece of chamber music with each player sharing the load.
Energy replaced by restraint replaced by energy describes the finale.
I hope that Polk will find a top-notch soprano to continue her Beach series with some of the art songs. Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. The Public Radio Music Source. CD's and cassettes, reasonably priced, proceeds benefit Public Radio East.