ABSTRACT
It is noteworthy that a figure as prominent as Sir George A. Macfarren, a composer of nine symphonies in an age when symphonies by English composers were rarely performed, should elect to write in the classical style, thus exhibiting his easy prowess in the genre. A typical example of piano writing can be found at bb 40–42, (Ex. 2.3) where the left hand is doubled at the octave at a point where the pedals could more easily have been employed. Although there is no ambiguity concerning Macfarren's knowledge of the inherent qualities of classical idioms, the contrasting styles of the movements place it firmly in the portfolio style of English sonatas. Best was as renowned for his acerbic wit as he was for his formidable technical proficiency, although his reputation as a composer bore less attention. His publications were more largely in the arenas of arrangements and editions of works by other composers.
