I feel it a great honour to have been asked by Dr. Cummings and the Council of the Musical Association to read a paper here this evening upon the subject of “Old English Organ Music.” My personal connection with this interesting subject extends very little beyond the fact of my having selected and edited a series of organ pieces by old English composers, published under the title of my present paper. But this does not necessarily qualify me to write or speak with any great authority on the matter, nor can I claim any ability in putting it before you in a finished literary manner. As a mark of gratitude, however, I have undertaken to do my best“, feeling that you will probably be able to obtain as good an idea of the subject from the musical illustrations with which my paper will be interspersed, as from any inadequate remarks of mine. My best thanks are due, both to Mr. J. A. Fuller Maitland, for his generous loan of an interesting old chamber organ, in order that you might hear the illustrations under appropriate conditions this evening, and to Dr. W. G. Alcock for so kindly consenting to come and play these illustrations.