"It gives us pleasure to notice this new and interesting book by Mr. Henry T. Pluck. He is an ardent admirer of Chopin, and writes with the view of explaining, to a certain extent, his compositions, and of defending him for never having written any large work. It is more of a treatise on his work than an account of his life, which is at first, perhaps, slightly disappointing; but the reader will be well repaid if he persevere. 'How Composers Work' is an extremely interesting portion of the book, but the most interesting is that entitled 'German Opera in New York,' which is chiefly an account of the growth of the Garman opera and its dramatic vocalists." -The Spectator, July 20, 1889

"That Mr. Finck - who has already made his mark by a clever work on 'Romantic Love and Personal Beauty" - has no affinity with the critical temper of his namesake, Schumann's contemporary, is speedily apparent from the tone of the first essay in this interesting volume. In it he advances claims to pre-eminence on behalf of Chopin which are all the more noticeable because he is at the same time an ardent Wagnerite. His opinions are often heterodox, even audacious, but they never offend one, because, though an enthusiast, he is happily not a bigot. He never seeks to extol his favorite musical divinities by disparaging or vilifying the idols of others. And he is always suggestive - he sets one thinking....He is to be congratulated too on the choice of interesting subjects for his essays. That on 'How Composers Work' is full of interesting information for the lay reader. He shows, for example, what a notable part the personal element has played as a motive power of inspiration, and treats the subject of improvisation at considerable length and in a most intelligent fashion." -The Musical Times, Volume 30, 1889

"Half a dozen delightful essays, the two most important of which are respectively devoted to the Polish and the German composers. Of the author's technical qualifications for a discussion of musical topics the papers themselves are vouchers." -New York Sun

"Why has the world been so slow in recognizing that Chopin stands in the very front rank of creative musicians? Had he, like Richard Wagner, attacked everybody, right and left, who stood in the way of the general recognition of his genius, his cause would have doubtless assumed greater prominence in the eyes of the public."

I. CHOPIN, THE GREATEST GENIUS OF THE PIANOFORTE,

II. HOW COMPOSERS WORK,

III. SCHUMANN, AS MIRRORED IN HIS LETTERS,

IV. MUSIC AND MORALS,

V. ITALIAN AND GERMAN VOCAL STYLES,

VI. GERMAN OPERA IN NEW YORK