Chapter IX · Chapter 9

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

later than; following

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

in the past

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

the position of apprentice

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

relating to or characteristic of art or artists

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

tending to float on a liquid or rise in air or gas

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

past form of “command” — be in command of

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

plural of “detractor” — one who disparages or belittles the worth of something

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

divisible by two

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

obtain

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

a republic in central Europe; split into East Germany and West Germany after World War II and reunited in 1990

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

characteristic of a lack of maturity

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

an instinctive motive

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

becoming greater or larger

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

United States composer best remembered as a composer of works for the piano (1860-1908)

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

United States poet (1869-1950)

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

plural of “model” — a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

characterized by or capable of producing music

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

absolutely essential

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

a brief written record

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional distress

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

noteworthy scarcity

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

provided with a secure reputation

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

To recall to mind.

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

the process of generating offspring

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

not in physical motion

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

past form of “suffuse” — cause to spread or flush or flood through, over, or across

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

natural abilities or qualities

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

of or pertaining to the ancient Teutons or their languages

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

from that time on

From this reading Thenceforth music in America possessed an artistic figure of constantly increasing stature.

in or at that place or location

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

being five more than twenty

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

to an undeniable degree or in an undeniable manner

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

not confined or limited

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A new note vibrated through it, a new and buoyant personality suffused it.

an energetic style

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

at the time that

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading MacDowell commanded, from the start, an original idiom, a manner of speech which has been recognised even by his detractors as entirely his own.

a late time of life

From this reading SUMMARY To gain a true sense of MacDowell's place in American music it is necessary to remember that twenty-five years ago, when he sent from Germany, as the fruit of his apprenticeship there, the earliest outgivings of his talent, our native musical art was still little more than a pallid reproduction of European models.

but in spite of that

From this reading MacDowell did not at that time, of course, give positive evidence of the vitality and the rarity of his gifts; yet there was, even in his early music,--undeniably immature though it was, and modelled after easily recognised Teutonic masters,--a fresh and untrammelled impulse.