Jean-Marie Leclair, the composer, was the oldest of seven children and was later called 'l'Ainé' (the Elder) to distinguish him from a younger brother with the same name.
Performer Biography
Leila Schayegh, the violinist and director on this album, plays an Andrea Guarneri violin from Cremona, made in 1675.
Compositional Technique
Leclair's legendary violin technique allowed him to overcome all technical challenges, including chords, double stops, staccatos, bariolages, and high-lying passages, even using his left thumb as a fifth finger.
Historical Context
Towards the end of the 17th century, France began to embrace Italian musical style, and the violin gained popularity, moving from a folk instrument to a solo and concertante instrument.
Composer Biography
Leclair initially trained as a lacemaker like his father, but also studied dance and violin, and his first employment was as a leading dancer and maître de ballet at the Opéra de Lyon.
Recording & Production
This recording was made in Basel, Switzerland, in the Martinskirche, between March 19-21, 2018.
Recording & Production
The performers on this recording, except for the soloist, use clip-in bow frogs and mostly plain gut strings, aiming for a roughened, darker orchestral sound.
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