Watkins (musicology, Catholic U. of America) describes the uses of sacred music to promote an image of the emperor in this superb study of the active art patron and historically much neglected Ferdinand III (r.1637-1657). The first chapters describe Ferdinand's political and theological ideology as a Counter-Reformation reformer, and the background history of the Thirty Years War and its aftermath. The remainder of the book describes in depth the types of music and spectacle heard and performed at court, with details on the specific works composed and performed under Ferdinand and the publication of prints promoting those works. Attention is given to how both the aural and visual works presented a vision of the emperor's piety, and in particular, his devotion to the cult of the Immaculate Conception. Well-illustrated throughout with b&w plates, this history will be of profound interest to students and specialists of the Counter-Reformation as well as to musicologists and art historians of the Baroque era. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)