J.J. Quantz: Concerto for flute in D Minor No. 113 (QV 5:81) was written approximately in 1738–1742. The work likely dates from Quantz's time in the Saxon court orchestra at Dresden or shortly after he moved to Berlin in 1741. Its structure betrays a strong influence of the Italian concerto style popularized by Antonio Vivaldi, whom Quantz first encountered in 1714.
D minor Concerto QV 5:81 represents a transition from Baroque rigor to the more melodic "mixed taste" (galant style) that Quantz later codified in his 1752 treatise. It avoids the clichés of mid-18th-century music by utilizing inventive figuration. The concerto was written for the specially designed flutes that Quantz built for himself and the King. These flutes were intended to replicate a vocal "tenor" quality, which is especially evident in the Arioso second movement. As part of the King's personal library, the piece was performed in the private music rooms of the Prussian palaces (Sanssouci or Berlin) rather than in public concert halls.

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

1. Allegro e con spirito

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

2. Arioso

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

3. Vivace

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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.