ABSTRACT
In the nineteenth century the musical instruction of the masses became something of a causecélèbre and as such was affected by the conflicts, sectarian and otherwise, which were associated with the provision of general education. Another aspect of our general pattern concerns the relationship which has existed at different times between English musicians and their counterparts in other countries—and this, of course, is bound up with the ‘commercial’ aspects of composition and performance. The dangers of foreign competition have been less acute since the autonomy of the musical profession achieved general recognition in England: and it is now true to say that the position of British musicians, music publishers and musical instrument manufacturers is a strong one on the world market. The production and distribution of dance music is now an important industry. The same is to some extent true of religious music, since there is a steady demand for hymn books, anthems and voluntaries.
