J.J. Quantz: Concerto for flute in A Minor (QV 5:238) was written approximately in 1750–1760. This concerto dates from Quantz’s mature "Berlin period" during his exclusive service to Frederick the Great. At this time, Quantz was at the peak of his career, producing sophisticated works that showcased the specific technical capabilities of the two-keyed flute he had perfected for the King.
Like the vast majority of Quantz’s concertos, it was composed specifically for King Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia. Under his contract, the King owned all of Quantz's compositions, and they were intended solely for the monarch's private use. The premiere took place at the Sanssouci Palace or the City Palace in Potsdam during one of the King's nightly private chamber concerts. These were intimate, high-stakes sessions where the King himself was typically the soloist.
For decades, this concerto was listed as "lost" in thematic catalogs (such as the Quantz-Verzeichnis by Horst Augsbach). It was part of the Prussian royal library that was removed from Berlin after World War II. Mary Oleskiewicz recently rediscovered the manuscript in the Russian National Library in St. Petersburg, making her recording its modern world premiere.
Oleskiewicz performs on a modern copy of a two-keyed Quantz flute at the historical pitch of A=385 Hz, which was the standard at the Potsdam court.

Mary Oleskiewicz (flute), Miklos Spanyi (conductor), Concerto Armonico Budapest, 2013, Naxos

1. Allegretto

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Mary Oleskiewicz (flute), Miklos Spanyi (conductor), Concerto Armonico Budapest, 2013, Naxos

2. Arioso ma non troppo

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Mary Oleskiewicz (flute), Miklos Spanyi (conductor), Concerto Armonico Budapest, 2013, Naxos

3. Allegro assai

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Quantz Johann Joachim

Johann Joachim Quantz (1697-1773) was a German composer, flutist and flute maker. He was regarded as the most prominent flutist of the eighteen century who made a big impact on Frederick II "The Great", King of Prussia who was his student as a young prince. The King played flute and composed some works for flute as well.

Quantz was born in Oberscheden in a family of blacksmith. After his father’s death he began music studies with his uncle and local organist. In 1717 he moved to Dresden where he studied counterpoint with J.D.Zelenka and flute with P.G.Buffardin, principal flute of the Royal Orchestra (Staatskapelle Dresden). From 1724 Quantz toured Europe for three years as a flutist, impressing by his artistry Scarlatti, Handel, Blavet and Queen of Prussia who wanted to hire him. Instead, he taught young Crown Prince Frederic II of Prussia despite his father’s (Frederick the Great) disapproval. When Frederick II became King of Prussia in 1740, Quantz officially took a position as a composer, flutist and flute maker at the King’s court in Potsdam until his death in 1773.
Besides his numerous works for flute Quantz is known as the author of Versuch einer Anweisung die Flöte traversiere zu spielen (Playing the traverse Flute) treatise as well as for his mechanical improvements of the flute as an instrument.