In 18th-century France, harpsichords were commonly used for accompanying Leclair's concertos, as the portable organs used today did not exist, and cabinet organs were too massive.
Recording & Production
The album features a variety of period instruments, including violins from Vincenzo Panormo (1747) and Alessandro Mezzadri (1730), and a harpsichord by Gérard Fonvielle (1990) based on H. Hasse.
Compositional Technique
The titles of Leclair's violin concertos, 'Concerto a tre violini, alto, e basso, per organo, e violoncello,' indicate their intricate structure where it's often hard to distinguish the soloist among the three violins.
Composer Biography
Jean-Marie Leclair, a French composer and violinist, may have viewed Jean-Joseph de Mondonville, another virtuoso violinist and composer, as a rival, especially in dramatic music.
Composition History
Jean-Marie Leclair's violin concertos, unlike his sonatas, appear to be largely his own initiative, with the exception of an opus by Jacques Aubert, a contemporary composer.
Historical Context
The violin, though now a celebrated instrument, was considered 'glaring and a bit vulgar' in 17th-century France.
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