At the glittering court of Louis XIV, where art functioned as an extension of power, no figure defined the sound of absolutism more completely than Jean-Baptiste Lully.

Rising from modest origins in Florence to become the most influential musician in 17th century France, Lully crafted a distinctly French operatic style that mirrored the grandeur and discipline of the Sun King’s reign.

In this episode we are joined by Dr Tarita Botsman as she explores explores how Lully secured his extraordinary position at court and forged a close working relationship with the king himself. Featuring musical excerpts from Lully's works, Tarita reveals how his compositions helped define the cultural identity of the ancien régime.

Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers with a strong interest in history, archaeology, architecture, the visual arts and the performing arts.

Learn more here - https://academytravel.com.au/