ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the exceptional burst of creativity that mingled with examples of horrible violence. Religious and civil wars plagued France and the Revolt in the Netherlands against Spanish rule and religious persecution provided a depressing backdrop to a time of cultural brilliance that included Shakespeare, Bruegel, Cervantes, and a throng of others who thrived in dangerous times. In general, the Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation encouraged cultural life and particularly music, although those interested in philosophical and scientific ventures had reason to be cautious. Rome engaged in a cultural revival of extraordinary dimensions, just as the period witnessed decisions by the magistrates of Amsterdam that allowed the creation of a tolerant atmosphere that ushered in its Golden Age. London flourished as Elizabeth I nurtured the rule of law that safeguarded a splendid time in drama and literature. Religious opposition to such creativity provided a sour and often dangerous counterpoint but could never dominate creativity.
