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In a September 11, 1735, letter to his friend Thiriot (a correspondent paid by Frederick the Great to send him the news and gossip of Paris not published in the newspaper), Voltaire defends Jean-Philippe Rameau against the attacks of the supporters of the French operatic style represented by the works of Jean Baptiste Lully (1632-1687). Lully's reputation and aesthetic ideals molded musical tastes long after his death. Voltaire, speaking specifically about Rameau's Indes Galantes (produced first in 1735), argues that a new operatic style, with Rameau as the leader, should be accepted:

I can understand that the profusion of his doubles croches [sixteenth notes] may revolt the Lullists; but as time goes by, it will indeed be preferable that, as the nation grows more sophisticated, Rameau's style should become the dominant style of the nation.

In a long preface to Les Indes Galantes, Rameau himself had tried to ward off the attacks of his opponents by expressing a genuine admiration for Lully. His attempt was fruitless, however.