ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the complete series of the Athenaeum housed at the City University Library in London. The history of the Athenaeum was characterised by continuity of ownership, editorial style, content and format. Early on the proprietorship rested with the Dilke family, thereafter passing (in 1869) into the hands of John Collins Francis. Although the Athenaeum was a 'literary' journal, from its inception it provided full coverage of music performances as well as articles on musical topics. After Henry F. Chorley's departure from the Athenaeum, Campbell Clarke took up the role of chief critic. Chorley regarded himself as a critic-patron, bestowing patronage on the deserving while heaping odium on the undeserving. From the evidence of his reviews, it can be seen that Clarke was another conservative who shared his predecessor's loathing of modern trends in music. Charles L. Gruneisen was uncompromising on the maintenance of standards in music performance and could be scathing in his condemnation of any deficiencies.
