Jean-Marie Leclair's exquisite collection of sonatas, released on 14 November 2008 via ECM New Series, is a masterclass in Baroque elegance. This captivating album, 'Jean-Marie Leclair: Sonatas', showcases the artist's profound understanding of the genre, as he weaves a rich tapestry of sound that transports listeners to a bygone era.
With a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, the album is a generous offering of Leclair's most revered works, including the 'Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5'. This seminal piece is presented in its entirety, with each sonata meticulously crafted to evoke the full range of human emotion. From the stately 'Largo' of Sonata VII in A Minor to the effervescent 'Allegro' of Sonata VIII in D Major, Leclair's music is a testament to his innovative spirit and technical prowess.
Throughout the album, Leclair's unique voice shines brightly, as he navigates the complexities of his own compositions with effortless ease. The result is a recording that is at once refined, expressive, and deeply moving. As the final notes of the 'Chaconna' from Sonata IV in B-Flat Major fade away, listeners are left with a lasting impression of Leclair's genius, and a profound appreciation for the beauty and sophistication of his music. 'Jean-Marie Leclair: Sonatas' is a must-listen for devotees of Baroque music, and a powerful introduction to the artist's remarkable oeuvre.
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VIII in D Major: I. Allegro ma non troppoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VIII in D Major: II. Aria. GratiosoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VIII in D Major: III. AndanteJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VIII in D Major: IV. AllegroJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VII in A Minor: I. LargoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VII in A Minor: II. AllegroJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VII in A Minor: III. AdagioJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata VII in A Minor: IV. Tempo Gavotta. AllegroJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata I in A Major: I. AdagioJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata I in A Major: II. AllegroJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata I in A Major: III. Aria. GratiosoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata I in A Major: IV. AllegroJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata III in E Minor: I. Largo. Un poco dolce sempreJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata III in E Minor: II. VivaceJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata III in E Minor: III. Aria gratioso. AndanteJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata III in E Minor: IV. Allegro - PrestoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata IV in B-Flat Major: I. AdagioJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata IV in B-Flat Major: II. Allegro ma non troppoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata IV in B-Flat Major: III. Sarabanda. LargoJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Troisième Livre de Sonates, Op. 5 / Sonata IV in B-Flat Major: IV. ChaconnaJean-Marie Leclair, John Holloway, Jaap Ter Linden, Lars Ulrik Mortensen
Jean-Marie Leclair was a prominent French composer and violinist of the Baroque period. His works showcase a unique blend of French and Italian styles, characterised by intricate melodies and technical virtuosity. As a skilled violinist, Leclair's compositions often featured the instrument, demonstrating his mastery of its expressive capabilities. His music continues to be celebrated for its elegance and refinement, offering a glimpse into the musical heritage of 18th-century Europe.
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Jean-Marie Leclair
