J.J. Quantz: Concerto for flute in C minor No. 216 (QV 5:38) was written in 1773 and is the final composition Johann Joachim Quantz ever worked on. Quantz began this concerto in the spring and summer of 1773. He completed the first two movements before his death on July 12, 1773.
The King, who had largely abandoned composition by that stage of his life, "took up the pen again" specifically to complete this work as a posthumous collaboration with his mentor. Consequently, the entire Presto was composed by Frederick the Great.
In a rare and touching act of musical tribute, King Frederick the Great himself completed the remaining portions of the final movement. This makes the concerto a unique collaboration between the "Master" and his "Royal Pupil."
In 1773, at the age of 76, Quantz was the last surviving major figure of the "Old Berlin School." His style was considered "ancient" by the younger generation (like Mozart), but he remained the absolute authority at the Prussian court. Despite his age, Quantz remained active in the King’s service until his final days, continuing to supervise the Royal flute collection and provide new compositions.

Rachel Brown (flute), Roy Goodman (conductor), The Brandenburg Consort, 1997, Hyperion Records / Universal Music Group

1. Allegro

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Rachel Brown (flute), Roy Goodman (conductor), The Brandenburg Consort, 1997, Hyperion Records / Universal Music Group

2. Affettuoso ma un poco lento

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Rachel Brown (flute), Roy Goodman (conductor), The Brandenburg Consort, 1997, Hyperion Records / Universal Music Group

3. Presto

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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.