Jean-Marie Leclair (1697-1764) represented the French violin school in the 18th century. Born in Lyon, he became an opera dancer but his background in violin attracted him to performance and composition. His first sonatas appeared in 1721. He spent some time in Paris then went to Turin and was taught by the famed violinist Giovanni Somis. His career only really took off in 1728 when he returned to Paris to play at the Concert Spirituel. He polished his skills abroad, but gained stability when Louis XV appointed him official court musician in 1733. His violin compositions became increasingly accomplished and his fame grew. He went later to the Netherlands at the request of the Princesse of Orange and often appeared at court there. He returned to Paris and in 1748 entered the service of his pupil the Duc de Gramont who was patron of a well-known orchestra. It was there that Leclair staged most of his operas. Apart from sonatas, trios and concertos, he wrote a magnificent tragédie lyrique called Scylla et Glaucus in 1746 which was performed at the Académie Royale de Musique to well-deserved acclaim.
