John Hartig

Jean-Marie LeClair John Hartig

Jean-Marie Leclair was an 18th century murder mystery. He should have been known more for being a super Baroque violinist and composer. He founded the school of French violin. He composed numerous sonatas and concerti, and one opera, "Scylla et Glaucus." At the age of 67, in 1764, he was found dead in the vestibule of his own home, stabbed in the neck and back 3 times. The culprit could have been the gardener, Jacques Paysant, which was dismissed. The most likely suspect was, Leclair's own 40 year old nephew, Guillaume-François Vial, son of Leclair's sister. Vial was insanely envious of his uncle for being a better violinist. He wanted his uncle to promote his career, a good word to King Louis XV, or a seat in the "Concert Spirituel," which never happened. The last suspect was the ex-wife, Louise Roussel, an engraver who made money out of Leclair's compositions. Lieutenant Antoine-Gabriel de Sartine did not have enough evidence to pin the crime on any one of his suspects...so nobody was ever accused or arrested. But do not worry dear reader, the author of this novella has solved the case!