Arthur William Foote (March 5, 1853 - April 8, 1937) was an organist and composer, and a member of the "Boston Six", a group of composers from New England that lived in the late 19th century and early 20th century, that also included Amy Beach, George Whitefield Chadwick, Edward MacDowell. John Knowles Paine, and Horatio Parker. Foote graduated from Harvard, and was the first composer of note to be trained entirely in the United States.

Foote wrote his Suite in E major for String Orchestra in 1907, with the original version having four movements; Foote decided to get rid of a theme and variations movement. The movements are Praeludium, Pizzicato and Adagietto, and Fugue. The Praeludium starts out with a theme in the violins, with syncopated violas accompanying. The theme is rather straightforward, and sounds at times nostalgic, and others, hopeful. The Pizzicato and Adagietto starts and ends with a galloping, fun pizzicato section. In between is a wistful, and introspective Adagietto. The Fugue starts with the second violins introducing the theme in E minor, and then followed by violins, cello/bass, and then violas.

This piece premiered in 1909, under August Max Fiedler, conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The piece remained an American  audience favorite for nearly three decades afterwards!

Here are some recordings for you to enjoy!

Boston Symphony Orchestra
Seattle Symphony Orchestra