Jean Baptiste Loeillet, Jan Devlieger

Between 1680 and 1688 three scions of the prominent family of Ghent musicians saw the light of day: Jean-Baptiste Loeillet (of London), Jacques (Jacob) Loeillet and Jean-aptiste Loeillet (of Ghent). Their similar initials continue to cause confusion, but their musical legacy is an ever flowing source of joy, for it is intimate chamber music of the highest quality. John, who most of his professional career in London, had an international reputation in his lifetime. He was the only member of the Loeillet dynasty to write harpsichord music as well, publishing to volumes of music for harpsichord or spinet. The first, dating from about 1712, is still largely indebted to the harpsichord music of Henry Purcell and John Blow. But the style of the 1723 volume is much more personal and combines French grandeur and elegance with Italian velocity and lightness. This CD featuring the six 1723 harpsichord suites is the first complete recording of this somewhat neglected "Flemish music for the Harpsichord".Jan Devlieger studied at the Conservatory of his hometown, Ghent, and was awarded first prizes in harmony, counterpoint and fugue (Willy Carron) and a first prize in chamber music (Marcel Ketels). At the Ghent High School of Music, he obtained his Masters Degree in recorder(Patrick Peire) and harpsichord (Carine Verhenneman). As a harpsichordist, organist, recorder player and singer, Jan Devlieger has performed with many ensembles, such as Ex Tempore, Ardalus, Het Kamerorkest, Het Symfonieorkest van Vlaanderen and Aquarius Soloists.