Nigel Wilkins is Emeritus Professor of 10 Musicology at the Sorbonne in Paris and Life Fellow of 11 Corpus Christi College in Cambridge. Although his 12 research is concentrated on music and poetry in the 13 Middle Ages, he has written on themes as varied as Erik 14 Satie, the Devil's music or Nicolas Flamel ... 15 In addition, a life-long passion for music, as 16 viola player in many orchestras and ensembles, as well 17 as would-be composer, has guided his steps. He was 18 founder of the St. John's Symphony orchestra in 19 Newfoundland and of the Scottish Early Music 20 Ensemble in St. Andrews.