"Composer, diplomat, bishop: Agostino Steffani (1654-1728) was one of the most remarkable figures in late-seventeenth- and early-eighteenth-century Europe. Steffani began his career as a composer, musician, and courtier, but his accomplishments brought him high-level positions in the courts of Germany and in the Catholic church. He served as advisor to Bavarian and Hanoverian Electors and played a leading role in the promotion of the Catholic church in the north German states." "Throughout his diplomatic and ecclesiastical career, Steffani continued to compose sacred music, opera, and chamber music - works that inspired Handel and other Baroque composers. Polymath of the Baroque discusses the entire musical output of Agostino Steffani, including a comprehensive treatment of his chamber duets, considered models of their kind. It also traces his principal diplomatic and political activities at Hanover and Dusseldorf, his rise to the bishopric of Spiga, and his career as Apostolic Vicar of North Germany."--BOOK JACKET.