The tercentenary of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's death in 2004 stimulated a surge of activity on the part of performers and scholars, confirming the modern assessment of Charpentier (1643-1704) as one of the most important and inventive composers of the French Baroque. This book provides a snapshot of Charpentier scholarship. 'All the contributions are worth reading and not unapproachable. ...Thanks particularly to Les Arts Florissants, Charpentier's music is widely circulated on CD, and anyone performing his music would benefit from investigating this excellent publication. (Scholars won't need the commendation.)' Early Music Review '[T]he book makes a significant contribution to Charpentier research.' Notes '... comprehensive and well-edited collection, providing a wealth of background material for music-lovers, performers and musicologists alike.' Early Music '... an important and original volume.' The Consort '... a valuable contribution to Charpentier and his musical world.' Revue de Musicologie