Sonata in g for two violins

French Baroque composer Jean-Marie Leclair (1697-1764) was one of the foremost violinists of his time. He was also a dancing master, and thus possessed the ideal combination of skills to effectively merge the vigor and vehemence of the Baroque Italian solo violin sonata with the ornate and refined French style. Leclair began by composing virtuosic music for the violin but came to prefer a distinct style that is poignant while still being technically demanding. The G-minor sonata for two violins that we will hear today is a perfect example of Leclair’s brilliance and depth.

(c) Jason Stell