Alard, Jean Delphin

1815-1888

Famous French violinist and teacher of Sarasate. Showed a wonderful talent for music very early. At the age of twelve, was sent to Paris, where he was allowed to enter the Conservatory as a listener only, not being accepted as a regular pupil. He made great progress, however, soon taking a second prize and shortly afterward a first, and after 1831 he began to be considered a great violinist. From 1843 to 1875 he was professor of the violin at the Paris Conservatory and was also leader of the Royal Orchestra, author of a Method for the Violin and also many fine violin compositions. His compositions are very popular and consist of concertos, etudes and fantasias for the violin, and duets for the violin and piano. He also wrote on musical subjects. His Method for the Violin has been translated into German, Spanish and Italian.