Binchois, Gilles de Bins (c. 1400–1460)

Franco-Flemish composer. Along with the composers Guillaume Dufay (whom he knew) and John Dunstable, Binchois was a major figure in 15th-century music. He composed 28 Mass-movements, 6 Magnificats, and around 30 other liturgical works (motets and hymns) in a severely functional style. His most characteristic works, however, are his chansons.

Binchois was probably born in Binche, near Mons, and was organist at the church of Ste Waldetrude, Mons, 1419–23. He was chaplain to Philip, Duke of Burgundy, from about 1430 until 1453, when he became provost of Saint-Vincent, Soignies.

He wrote around 55 chansons, mostly in three parts and in the form of rondeaux or ballades, with texts relating to courtly love. They are written in a more pleasing style than his sacred music; most are symmetrical and are set to graceful melodies for one voice and two instruments; they follow closely the form of the poetic text.