Explore the clash between music and dance in early France. The book examines how the world of violins, dancers, and royal courts shaped a unique musical culture, from court performances to public ballets, through dramatic disputes and official decrees. In this edition, you’ll encounter a detailed look at the “Roi des Violons” and the menestriers, the rise and fall of their roles, and how politics, law, and art intertwined across the reigns of Louis XIV and Louis XV. The narrative centers on ongoing rivalries, court intrigues, and the persistence of tradition as new forms of music and dance emerged. - Learn who held the title of “Roy des Violons” and how it moved through families and offices - See how legal rulings and royal edicts redirected power, duties, and access to performance spaces - Understand the tension between dance masters, musicians, and competing institutions - Discover how historical documents and appendices illuminate a long, lively debate about music, dance, and authority Ideal for readers of music history, French cultural history, and studies of court life, this book offers a focused look at a pivotal moment when dance and melody collided with governance and status.