Egidius Binchois

Background

Egidius Binchois was born about 1400 and vidently named after his birthplace, Binche, near Mons, Belgium. Gilles’s father, Jean de Binche, was connected to the court of Hainaut.

Career

Nothing is known about Gilles until 1419, when he became organist at the church of Ste. Waudru in Mons. Binchois was in Paris in 1424 serving William de la Pole, earl (later duke) of Suffolk, and returned with him to Hainaut in 1425. In 1430 Binchois joined the chapel of Philip III (the Good) of Burgundy, where he remained until his death, eventually becoming second chaplain and cantor. He was esteemed by contemporary and later theorists as second only to Dunstable and Dufay.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Binchois: Mon souverain desir - Chansons /Ensemble Gilles Binchois * Vellard
  • Gilles Binchois: Songs / Missa Ferialis / Magnificat

Membership

He was one of the earliest members of the Burgundian school.

References

• The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (20 Volume Set)