They are, on the whole, I think it will be determined, his most significant and important contribution to musical art.

The "Eroica" bears the motto, "Flos regum Arthuris," and as a further index to its content MacDowell has given this explanation: "While not exactly programme music,"[14] he says, "I had in mind the Arthurian legend when writing this work.

The first movement typifies the coming of Arthur.

The scherzo was suggested by a picture of Dore showing a knight in the woods surrounded by elves.

The third movement was suggested by my idea of Guinevere.