Jean Marie Leclair

Jean Marie Leclair (1697-1764)

Sheet Music and Program Notes

Jean-Marie Leclair (31 May 1697 – 22 October 1764) was a French composer, violinist, and viola da gambist of the Baroque era. He is considered one of the most important composers for the violin of his time, and his works are still widely performed today.

Leclair was born in Lyon, France, and began his musical training at an early age. He studied violin with Jean-Baptiste Senaillé, and viola da gamba with Antoine Forqueray. In 1716, he moved to Paris, where he became a member of the orchestra of the Opéra. He also began to compose, and his first published work, a set of six violin sonatas, appeared in 1723.

Leclair was a prolific composer, and his output includes over 100 works for the violin, including sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. He also composed operas, ballets, and cantatas. His music is characterized by its grace, elegance, and virtuosity.

Leclair was a popular and respected figure in his lifetime, and his music was widely performed. However, he was also a controversial figure, and his life was marked by scandal and intrigue. He was murdered in 1764, and the motive for his murder is still unknown.

Despite his untimely death, Leclair's music continues to be performed and enjoyed today. He is considered one of the most important composers of the Baroque era, and his works are a significant contribution to the violin repertoire.