Jean-Delphin Alard, a composer and violinist, is highly regarded in the annals of music history for a number of reasons. Alard expressed a superb ability to perform earning kudos from Paganini and being chosen to play at the memorial service of Mendelssohn. Alard also compiled a collection of 56 pieces ("Maitres clasiques du violon") that were essentially saved from being lost forever. He also demonstrated a keen awareness for the violin and for composition as well in his "Ecole du violon: methode complete et progressive" [Studies for the violin: A complete and progressive method] which included 24 caprices in all of the different keys. He succeeded Baillot in the royal orchestra and also as professor of music at the conservatory in Paris for 32 years (1843-1875). Jean-Delphin Alard, being the son of Vuillaume, also became heir to both the Alard and Messiah Stradivari. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide