This work is based upon the translation of German hymns by Mrs C. Winkworth, well known under the title of "Lyra Germanica," and contains¹¹Whenever in this work the term hymn occurs, it is applied to the words as distinguished from the music. hymns and tunes chiefly of German origin, and belonging more especially to the 16th and two following centuries. Had the "Chorale Book" however been restricted to a republication of the "Lyra Germanica" with music, it would not have comprised all that is requisite to illustrate the beauty of German Hymnology and to fit the work for use in the Church of England. It will be found therefore that, in addition to the principal contents of the "Lyra Germanica," much fresh matter has been brought forward.

Though the "Chorale Book" contains hymns for all the festivals and services of the Church of England, the Editors have abstained, with one exception,²²Tune No. XCII. from inserting either hymns or tunes of English origin: to do so would have detracted from the special character which they believe the work to possess, as the first introduction into England of all that ranks as the essence of German Hymnology in words and music united.