Jean Gilles

Baroque French Composer and Organist

Jean Gilles (1668–1705) was a French Baroque composer known for his sacred music. Although not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Gilles's work has been appreciated for its melodic quality and contrapuntal skill. His most famous composition is the "Messe des morts" or "Requiem," which was highly esteemed during and after his lifetime. The Requiem was performed at the funerals of several prominent figures, including King Louis XV of France. Gilles's career was primarily based in the south of France, where he held various positions including Master of Music at the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne in Toulouse and later at the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence. Despite his relatively short life, Gilles made a significant contribution to the repertoire of French sacred music, and his Requiem continues to be performed and recorded today.