Lœillet, Jean-Baptiste (1680–1730)

Flemish flautist, oboist, and composer. An outstanding member of a family of musicians, he learnt the harpsichord, flute, and oboe, and enjoyed early success as a performer. He wrote numerous sets of chamber music, mainly for his own instruments.

He went to Paris, France, in 1702 and to London, England, in 1705, where he joined the orchestra of the King's Theatre in the Haymarket. He retired in 1710 and made a living by teaching and giving concerts in his house in Hart Street (now Floral Street), Covent Garden, London.

Works sonatas for one, two, and three flutes, for oboe or violin.