About this ebook
The "Letter on French Music" is one of Rousseau's most controversial and influential work in eighteenth century aesthetic debate. Published in 1753 during the heated musical controversy known as the Querelle des Bouffons, this polemical work represented Rousseau's decisive intervention in the conflict between supporters of French and Italian operatic styles. The letter emerged from Rousseau's growing conviction that French music had become overly difficult and artificial, lacking the natural expressiveness that he believed characterized true musical art. His position codified musical theories that had been developing since his youth, especially following his exposure to Italian sacred music during his time in Turin, which had revealed to him the expressive possibilities that French musical traditions seemed to suppress.
Alongside the translation of Letter on French Music, the edition provides contextual material on Rousseau's world and intellectual influence. The translation of Letter on French Music is accompanied by scholarly supporting material. Alongside Letter on French Music, the volume provides an afterword tracing Rousseau's intellectual relationship with Diderot, Voltaire and his reception by Nietzsche, revealing the detailed dialogue between the period's most influential minds. For Letter on French Music, a timeline connects the major events of Rousseau's life with world events, a glossary of Enlightenment terminology frames Rousseau's debates in the intellectual milieu of his day, and a detailed index provides an guide to his complete writings.
