Those of his songs that achieved great popularity, whatever may be thought of them now, were immensely superior to any that had previously gained the ear of the "man in the street." I am, of course, referring to those which make more frank appeal to the less cultivated lovers of music; "Orpheus with his lute," "The Lost Chord," and others of similar type, being in an entirely different category. Through "The Martyr of Antioch" and "The Golden Legend," Sir Arthur Sullivan not only convinced English people, who were able to learn the lesson, that an English composer was capable of arousing their highest emotions, but, incidentally, indicated the road that led them, in after days, to their pride in, and appreciation of, "The Dream of Gerontius." FOOTNOTES: [31] "Life of Sims Reeves," by Sutherland Edwards. [32] In this connection, these words might well be translated, if not quite literally, as "I dislike common-place people." [33] Shortly before his death, waking from a period of torpor, he recognised one of his faithful servants sitting at his bed-side crying. "Don't cry," he said. "I am quite happy, knowing I shall soon see my dear mother again." [34] He was a sufferer from periodical attacks of severe pain throughout his life. CHAPTER X GENERAL SURVEY Facilities for hearing music--Opera an exception--Sir Henry Wood--Dream of Gerontius--Sir Frederick Bridge--Ballad concerts--Ballad singers--Madame Clara Butt and Mr. Kennerly Rumford--Chamber music--Mr. Arthur Chappell and the Monday Popular Concerts--Salome--Question of the censor--Recognition of merit in distinguished musicians--Examination craze--Government enquiry suggested--Musical criticism--Disadvantages of anonymity--The great Festivals--Costa and the Handel Festival--Brass Band Contests and the North of England--Music halls of the past--Theatre of Varieties to-day--English composers--A suggestion--Closing words. England, to-day, is second to no country in the world as regards facilities for hearing good music, under conditions that are both favourable and tending to attract even the least ardent devotees. The exception must, however, be candidly made of opera, which, at present under ideal circumstances is offered at Covent Garden theatre, it is true, but at a price that is quite beyond the means of the average individual, and then only during a few months that constitute the London "Season." It would be premature to write of the experiment now being made by Mr. Hammerstein, interesting as it is, but it is one that calls for sympathy, and the willing aid of all lovers of opera. It is certain that the opportunities of hearing orchestral music now presented to Londoners, are on a scale that would have made their forefathers pale with amazement. To Sir Henry Wood this is largely due.