JEAN-MARIE LECLAIR (1697-1764): Violin Sonatas Book 3, Op. 5, Nos. 5-8.

Description: Leclair’s violin sonatas embody a stylistic fusion known as “les goûts réunis” in which the lyricism and the virtuosity of the Italian school are integrated with the dance idioms of French Baroque music. In this volume of sonatas published in 1734, the music reaches new heights of technical complexity in its filigree ornamentation and continuous multiple stopping while still incorporating much wistful beauty. In the Sonata in D major, however, Leclair’s ambition expands yet further, as he combines innate lyricism and rustic drones in a prototype concerto form. Adrian Butterfield (violin), Sarah McMahon (cello), Silas Wollston (harpsichord).