Leclair: Concerti per violino

Featuring

Leila Schayegh
La Cetra Barockorchester Basel
Jean-Marie Leclair

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Composer Biography

Leclair initially followed his lacemaker father's profession but simultaneously pursued dance and violin studies, even working as a leading dancer and maître de ballet before focusing on music.

Historical Context

Leclair's career flourished during a period in France when the country was opening up to Italian musical styles, and the violin was gaining popularity as a solo instrument.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Leclair, a pupil of Italian Giovanni Battista Somis, combined the immediacy of Italian virtuosity with French elegance, pushing boundaries while developing a personal style.

Compositional Technique

Leclair's total mastery of the violin, including using his left thumb as a fifth finger, earned him the epithet 'netteté' (neatness), signifying impeccable technique and musical perfection.

Instruments

Except for the soloist, all instrumentalists on this recording use clip-in bow frogs and mostly plain gut strings, aiming for a 'somewhat roughened, darker orchestral sound'.

Recording & Production

This recording was made during the easing of the first Covid-19 lockdown in June 2020, requiring rehearsals and recording with social distancing measures.

Composer Biography

Jean-Marie Leclair, the composer, was the eldest of seven children and was later called 'l'Ainé' (the Elder) to distinguish him from a younger brother with the same first name.