Jean Baptiste Loeillet of Ghent

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Jean Baptiste Loeillet (July 6, 1688–1750), who later styled himself Loeillet de Gant, was a Belgian composer, born in Ghent. He spent the largest part of its life in France in services to the archbishop of Lyon, Paul-François de Neufville de Villeroy. He wrote many works for flute, including trio sonatas, unaccompanied sonatas for 2 flutes, and solo sonatas. He died in 1720.

Jean Baptiste Loeillet was a member of the large and musical Loeillet family, and the son of Pieter Loeillet and his first wife Marte (née Nortier).

Loeillet added "de Ghent" to his surname to avoid confusion with his cousin, Jean-Baptiste Loeillet of London (1680–1730), who was a well-known musician and composer in London. The similar names have often caused confusion and mis-attribution of works, such as Alexandre Beón's arrangement of the C minor Piano trio for recorder, oboe, and basso continuo for modern instruments (the Piano Trio in B minor, now reprinted by International) incorrectly attributed to Loeillet de Ghent. 48 sonatas for recorder and continuo were printed in Amsterdam in 1710 and 1717, and re-printed in London by Walsh & Hare in 1712 and 1722. Jacques Loeillet is the least known of the three composers of the Loeillet family. Born in 1685, he worked at the court of Munich, then moved to France, and continued his career under the names of Jacob Jean Baptiste Loeillet (perhaps trying to capitalise on his cousin's reputation). His publications include a set of six flute sonatas with continuo.

[edit] References

Biographical article in www.allmusic.com
Alec Skempton and Lucy Robinson. "Loeillet:(5) Jean Baptiste Loeillet (ii) [‘Loeillet de Gant’]", Grove Music Online, ed. L. Macy (accessed July 27, 2006), grovemusic.com (subscription access).

[edit] Recording

Loeillet. Sonatas & Triosonatas, La Caccia directed by Patrick Denecker, 2006, MF8007. Contains recordings of sonatas by Jean-Baptiste Loeillet de Gant, Jean-Baptiste Loeillet de Londres and Jacques Loeillet.