Concerto for flute and string orchestra in A minor, L II:16

Franz Benda (1709–1786) was a Bohemian violinist and composer (Czech: František Benda) who served as the long-time concertmaster for Frederick the Great. He was a foundational figure in the Berlin School, bridging the gap between the High Baroque and the Classical era through the expressive Empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style).
Born in Staré Benátky, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Benda was the eldest son of a musical weaver. His family was remarkably talented: three of his brothers, Johann, Georg, and Joseph, also became professional musicians. His career began as a boy soprano. At age nine, he ran away to Prague to join the choir of St. Nicholas Church and later served as a chorister in Dresden. When his voice broke, he transitioned fully to the violin.
In his late teens and early twenties, Benda lived a somewhat nomadic life, performing in the service of various noblemen in Vienna, Warsaw, and Dresden. During this period, he was deeply influenced by the Italian violin school, particularly the works of Antonio Vivaldi and Tartini.
In 1733, Benda was recruited to join the private orchestra of Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia (later Frederick the Great). As a Protestant in Catholic Bohemia, Benda faced religious restrictions. In 1742, King Frederick personally arranged for Benda’s parents and siblings to emigrate to Potsdam, where they were granted religious freedom and positions within the royal musical establishment.
Benda remained in Frederick's service for the rest of his life (53 years). In 1771, he succeeded Johann Joachim Quantz as First Concertmaster. He famously accompanied the King in nightly private flute concerts at the Sanssouci Palace.
Benda was celebrated as one of the greatest violinists of the 18th century. His compositions, particularly his flute concertos (such as the famous Concerto in E minor) and violin sonatas, are noted for their "singing" quality and emotional depth.
He was a prolific teacher, establishing a violin school that influenced generations of German string players. Additionally, Franz Benda is regarded as a pivotal figure in the development of the concerto form. Overall, he composed 17 symphonies, 28 violin concertos, and more than 300 sonatas for various instruments.
His autobiography, written in 1763, remains one of the most important primary sources for understanding the life of an 18th-century court musician.