Cambridge University Press Lully Studies (Cambridge Composer Studies)

The historical importance of composer Jean-Baptiste Lully has long been recognised. Regarded as the founder of French opera, as the embodiment of Baroque musical style and a key figure in the development of court ballet, his work enjoys popularity and scholarly interest. This volume presents the best research on Lully's life, his work and his influence. Eleven essays by American and European scholars address a wide range of topics including Lully's genealogy, the Tragédie Lyrique, Lully's Palais Royal theatre, the collaboration with Molière, the transmission of Lully's work away from the Ile-de-France, and an unexplored link with Marcel Proust. Illustrated with musical examples and photographs, the volume also contains surprising archival discoveries about the composer's early life in Tuscany and new information about his manuscript sources. It will interest all those involved in the music of Lully and his time, whether musicologists, historians, performers or listeners. Review 'In John Hajdu Heyer's admirably edited volume we have abundant detail, much of which is very revealing … the student and interested listener will glean much from John S. Powell's lively study of Lully and Moliere's involvement with the pastoral divertisment … these Lully studies add much to our understanding of him and his world.' Jan Smaczny, BBC Music Magazine'… a stimulating contribution to the study of French music of the period.' Early Music Today Book Description Presents the best research on the life and work of Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully.