Trio Sonata in F major for Recorder (Flute), Oboe (Violin) & Basso continuo Op.II/2

Loeillet (John of London) Trio Sonata in F major for Recorder (Flute), Oboe (Violin) & Basso continuo Op.II/2 (Score & Parts)

The extreme scarcity of biographical information on the Belgian Loeillet family of musicians and the generally contradictory accounts of various historians, make it impossible to report in detail on the life of that Jean Baptiste Loeillet who on the title pages of his printed works called himself Mr. John Loeillet.  He was born in Gent in 1680, the son of Jean Baptiste Francois Loeillet (1653-1685) and his second wife Barbe Buys.  Nothing is known of his education and activity before he moved to England.  He proceeded to London in 1705 and remained there until his death.  He died on 19th July 1730 a highly respected and well-to-do man.  He is called the “London Loeillet” or “John of London” because of his long sojourn in London, and to distinguish himself from his cousin, 8 years his junior, who is known as Jean Baptiste Loeillet de Gant.

John of London is the most outstanding representative of the Loeillet family of musicians.  He was one of the best-known harpsichord players of the time and enjoyed particular popularity as teacher of and composer for this instrument.  In addition, he was cerebrated as a first-class flautist and as oboist.  His compositions (he left 8 suites for harpsichord, 12 solo sonatas and 18 trio sonatas) are superior to those of his cousin Jean Baptiste Loeillet de Gant and those of his younger brother Jacob Jean Baptiste Loeillet (1685-1748). 

The present Sonata was taken from a collection of trio sonatas published in London in 1725 and a printed copy of the work in parts published by Walsh & Hare served as source for this edition.