The four Lectures upon which the following Essays are based were read by the Author at the Royal Institution in 1862, and subsequently delivered at Manchester and Birmingham. Encouraged by the popular success which they achieved, and the eulogies passed upon their merits by some of his most distinguished musical contemporaries, Chorley resolved to publish them, and had partially prepared them for the press not long before his death. In the Memoir which I appended to his Autobiography and Letters (vol. ii. p. 210), I ventured to express an opinion that they were marked in a high degree by the critic's acumen and learning, and that the research and speculation for which the theme afforded ample scope were supported by a profusion of illustration, attesting the wide range of Chorley's experience as a student of the art. My regret that a work so characteristic of him should remain in manuscript being shared by his legal representative, that gentleman has kindly placed it in my hands for publication.

The knowledge that in offering these essays to the world I am giving effect to the wish of my deceased friend, removes the uneasiness which one who is responsible for the publication of a posthumous work may naturally feel, lest the established reputation of its author should thereby suffer. During the eight years which have elapsed since Chorley's death I have seen no reason to believe that he has lost aught of his legitimate authority as a musical critic. By the circle which his living influence swayed, his judgment is still cited and approved.