The late 19th century witnessed unprecedented musical growth in the United States, and it is impossible to imagine a Copland, an Ives or even a Gershwin without the pioneering groundwork of the “Boston Six,” of whom John Knowles Paine was the senior member. Favorite among his own works, Paine’s Second Symphony was described on its New York premiere as “a serious, important and totally beautiful work.” His “Prelude” to the tragic play Oedipus Tyrannus was an immediate hit, while “An Ocean Fantasy” was his last orchestral piece.