The authentic reproduction of early music requires a thorough understanding of the rules that were in place at the time. This book offers all instrumentalists and singers a professionally grounded and valuable guide to interpreting the music of the 17th and 18th centuries. Ulrike Engelke, an internationally renowned flutist, experienced instructor, and director of an academy for early music, has studied the sources of old masters for many years and has evaluated them for practical application in concerts and teaching. In this book, G. Muffat, J. Mattheson, J. J. Quantz, C. P. E. Bach, L. Mozart, J. A. Hiller, G. Türk, and many others will speak for themselves. The selection of texts and musical examples take into account the most important aspects of sound speech. Content: Melody as sound speech, musical punctuation and articulation on keyboard, wind, and string instruments as well as in singing, music aesthetics in the 18th century.