Sullivan composed The Lost Chord whilst watching at his brother Fred's bedside during his last illness. The manuscript is dated 13th January 1877, five days before his brother’s death. He had been trying to set the words of Adelaide Procter to music for several years, but did not succeed until faced with Fred’s passing.

The success of the song was immediate. None other than the Prince of Wales was said to have remarked that he would travel the length of his future kingdom to hear it sung. Sullivan later commented: "I have composed much music since then, but have never written a second Lost Chord.

As recorded by David Childs on CD 21235 Hear My Prayer.