The confusion which reigns around the Loeillet dynasty of Ghent stems from two of its celebrated members who, as well as being cousins, shared the same first name – Jean-Baptiste. The elder of the two made his career in London and became known as John of London (John Loeillet of London). He apparently played a leading role in the musical life of the time and introduced Corelli’s works to England.

The other Jean-Baptiste, known as Loeillet of Ghent, the son of a violinist and orchestra leader, lived first at Ghent before moving to Bordeaux with his father. He entered the service of the archbishop and composer Paul-François de Neufville de Villeroy at Lyons, where he died young. He left 48 sonatas for recorder in four volumes, published first in Amsterdam and later reissued in London. The Amsterdam editions were all dedicated to members of the French nobility. These sonatas in the Italian style take the four-movement form of the sonata da chiesa.

The Loeillet family made a significant contribution to the English recorder tradition.