And even then, it was the first volume only that he could publish; nor
was it till six years later followed by the second.
Greatly, however, to a mind like his, was every exertion repaid by
the honour of its reception. The subscription, by which he had been
enabled to sustain its numerous expences in books, travels, and
engravings, had brilliantly been filled with the names of almost all
that were most eminent in literature, high in rank, celebrated in the
arts, or leading in the fashion of the day. And while the lovers of
music received with eagerness every account of that art in which they
delighted; scholars, and men of letters in general, who hitherto had
thought of music but as they thought of a tune that might be played
or sung from imitation, were astonished at the depth of research, and
almost universality of observation, reading, and meditation, which were
now shewn to be requisite for such an undertaking: while the manner in
which, throughout the work, such varied matter was displayed, was so
natural, so spirited, and so agreeable, that the History of Music not
only awakened respect and admiration for its composition; it excited,
also, an animated desire, in almost the whole body of its readers, to
make acquaintance with its author.
The History of Music was dedicated, by permission, to her Majesty,
Queen Charlotte; and was received with even peculiar graciousness when
it was presented, at the drawing-room, by the author. The Queen both
loved and understood the subject; and had shewn the liberal exemption
of her fair mind from all petty nationality, in the frank approbation
she had deigned to express of the Doctor’s Tours; notwithstanding they
so palpably displayed his strong preference of the Italian vocal music
to that of the German.
So delighted was Doctor Burney by the condescending manner of the
Queen’s acceptance of his musical offering, that he never thenceforward
failed paying his homage to their Majesties, upon the two birth-day
anniversaries of those august and beloved Sovereigns.