Jean-Marie Leclair was born in Lyon in 1697. By his nineteenth birthday, he had perfected the arts of violin playing, dance, and lace-making. He was to become the most eminent violinist of his time, traveling throughout Europe. Early in his career he was appreciated not only for his virtuosity, but also for the originality of his compositions. One of his greatest achievements was to combine the two rival national schools of French taste and Italian style.