Biography
Poitevin instructed Gilles at the Cathedral of St Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence, where the same teacher also guided Campra and Blanchard. Gilles assumed Poitevin’s post as master of music in Aix-en-Provence before taking the equivalent role at the Cathedral of St Etienne in Toulouse. When his reputation reached Avignon in 1701, he received an invitation to direct the choir at Notre-Dame des Doms, yet he retained his post in Toulouse even while Rameau temporarily occupied the Avignon position. His “Messe de Morts,” heard at the funerals of both Louis XV and Rameau, opens in F-dur for the Kyrie and continues in G-mol, following the modal practice of Gregorian chant. Contemporary accounts noted the deep orchestral pathos of Gilles’s works together with their carefully constructed fugues; like Lalande, he maintained an independent orchestra rather than one dependent on the chorus, suggesting Lalande’s influence. Gilles also combined polyphony and homophony with particular skill, reserving the latter texture for moments of special emphasis.
Albums