J.J. Quantz: Concerto for flute in E-Flat Major, No. 109 (QV 5:89) was written approximately in 1745- 1750. Composed for King Frederick II (The Great) of Prussia. As his exclusive court composer and flute teacher, Quantz wrote over 300 concertos primarily for the King’s private evening performances. The premiere took place at the Sanssouci Palace
or the City Palace in Potsdam during one of the King's private chamber concerts. These intimate sessions often featured the King as soloist.
Around that time, Quantz was the absolute authority on flute performance and construction at the Prussian court. This period saw Quantz perfecting his two-keyed flutes to ensure better intonation for the specific keys (like E-flat major) used in his concertos.
In 1752, he published his monumental treatise, Versuch einer Anweisung die Flûte traversière zu spielen (On Playing the Transverse Flute), which defined the "mixed taste", a blend of French elegance and Italian passion.

Eric Lamb (flute), Michael Alexander Willens (conductor), Orchester der Kölner Akademie, 2018, Profil / Naxos

1. Allegro spiritoso

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Eric Lamb (flute), Michael Alexander Willens (conductor), Orchester der Kölner Akademie, 2018, Profil / Naxos

2. Affetuoso - Lento - Aria

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Eric Lamb (flute), Michael Alexander Willens (conductor), Orchester der Kölner Akademie, 2018, Profil / 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.