It was the fault of the times on the piano, not of the composers.

It was not till long afterward that the color capacities of the piano were developed.

As Foster was no pianist, but rather a pure melodist, he could not be expected to surpass his times in the management of the piano, the only 'orchestra' he had.
It will not do to regard Foster as a crude musician.

His own scores reveal him as the most artful of 'artless' composers.
"It is not even presumption to speak of him in the same breath with Verdi.

The breadth and poignancy of Foster's melodies entitle them to the highest critical respect, as they have received worldwide appreciation from great musicians and plain music lovers.