Jean-Pierre Guignon

As a violinist Guignon surpassed the performing abilities of such virtuosos as Anet, Leclair, Mondonville, and Guillemain. His compositions, dominated by instrumental sonatas (some concertos, symphonies and variations), were substandard compared with the works of the aforementioned violinists. He appeared in several concerts, as did several other students of the renowned Somis, making his debut at the Concert Spirituel which had been just recently opened (1725). Guignon performed in the courts, salons and the public and gave great satisfaction. Due to various intrigues and his own contentiousness, Guignon only performed in the court and salons after 1750. The last public performances came on tours with Mondonville in 1744 and 1746. The public lauded their performances but Guignon's anticipation toward the music of the future was not well recieved by the conservative critics. ~ Keith Johnson