Jean-Marie Leclair, the composer, began his career as a dancer and ballet master, only later dedicating himself to the violin after receiving lessons from Giovanni Battista Somis, a pupil of Corelli.
Composition History
Leclair's Op. 7 violin concertos, featured on this album, were dedicated to André Chéron, his composition teacher, and were likely performed by Leclair himself at the Concert Spirituel.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leclair's compositional style uniquely blended Italian and French influences, incorporating Italian structural elements with French melodic and expressive qualities, such as dances in third movements or 'air gracieux et tendre' in slow movements.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leclair emphasized that 'allegro' movements should be lively ('gai') but not rushed, warning that excessive speed could make the melody mundane.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Leclair advised against varying tempo for expression within a movement and cautioned violinists not to add more ornaments to slow movements than written, contrasting with Italian practice.
Critical Reception
Contemporary accounts describe Leclair's violin playing as precise, accurate, and noble, contrasting with the more vivacious and intuitive style of Italian violinists like Locatelli.
Composer Biography
Jean-Marie Leclair was murdered in 1764, found with stab wounds in his home, and despite police suspicions, the crime was never solved.
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