In 1697, following the Treaty of Ryswick, Lorraine gained its independence. A great music lover, Leopold, became the head of the duchy. In particular, he employed Henry Desmarest, who had been seeking a permanent position since his disgrace in Paris, where his effigy was hanged in the Place de Grève. Bonaventure Gilles (1678/91–1757), a native of Laudun, joined the duke’s orchestra in 1709 and became its conductor in 1730. In the absence of documents that precisely date the two concertos, it is highly likely therefore that they were written between these two latter dates. The first is a concerto for oboe, accompanied by a string orchestra (violins I-II, viola, bass) with basso continuo. The music is showy. The adagio and allegro are particularly remarkable. The excellent craftsmanship of these two pieces, written at the height of the Baroque period, is noteworthy.