This volume investigates the historical significance, stylistic evolution, and performance challenges surrounding the music of Renaissance composer Josquin des Prez. The text compiles scholarly papers presented at the 1971 International Josquin Festival-Conference, providing a comprehensive overview of the state of Josquin research during the early 1970s. By synthesizing biographical data with technical musical analysis, the contributors establish a framework for understanding the composer's influence on Western music history.

Experts recognize this collection as a foundational document in the field of Renaissance musicology. Scholars frequently cite these proceedings for their historical importance in standardizing the study of Josquin's complex musical output.