The French composer Charles d’Helfer (d. after 1664) spent his whole career outside Paris based as maître de musique at Soissons Cathedral, and his reputation as a mass composer is reflected by the extensive publication of his works after his death (his Missa pro Defunctis, published in 1656, continued to be used up to the obsequies of Louis XV in 1774). The Missa Benedicam Dominum and Missa Laetatus sum are typical of Helfer’s preference for a severe syllable-to-a-note style, although the vocal lines retain an elegant melodic charm.