Some years ago I had the honour of reading before this Association a paper on the growth of the modern orchestra during the past century. In that paper I expressly excluded Bach and Handel from the scope of my remarks, because, both in its composition and in the manner in which it was employed, the orchestra in their day differed widely from that of the present time. Your council have now asked me to talk about the orchestras of Bach and Handel—I presume, as a kind of supplement to my previous paper; and I have had great pleasure in acceding to their request, not only because the subject is itself full of interest, but because it is one upon whch considerable misconception prevails. It is very often supposed that there is very little variety of orchestral effect in Bach or Handel. The exact opposite is the case; it will, indeed, be quite impossible, within the limits assigned to me, to do more than touch, so to speak, on the edge of the subject, on which it would be perfectly easy, without needless repetitions, to write a small volume. I must therefore ask your indulgence for the necessarily superficial character of this paper; were I not addressing an audience of musicians I should also feel it needful to apologise for its technical nature.