This volume explores the important role which epistolary exchanges play in the reconstruction
of musical and theatrical contexts all over Europe in the early modern age with particular
attention to the century of the Enlightenment. Correspondence often bears witness to the
reconstruction of performers' careers and theatrical venues and to the transfers of
professionals and repertoires as well as to social themes and production issues. Archival
sources private letters and official documents are not only rich in precious data and
information but can also provide elements for new research perspectives related to their
methodological implications and to the interpretation of the music and theatre of that period
as well as to questions about historical performance practices and their current revival.
