J.J. Quantz: Sonata in D Major, No. 277, QV 1:42 was written approximately in the early 1750s. Like nearly all of Quantz's approximately 230 flute sonatas, it was composed specifically for King Frederick II ("the Great"). Frederick maintained exclusive rights to these works, which were strictly for his private use and were not published or circulated during Quantz’s lifetime.
Its catalog number, No. 277, refers to its entry in the Catalogue des solos pour Sans Souci, a private inventory initiated in 1763 for King Frederick the Great's personal library.
By the time this sonata was entered into the royal catalog, Quantz was the highest-paid musician in Europe. His primary duty was supervising the King’s daily two-hour flute recitals.
This sonata was composed during or immediately following the publication of Quantz's definitive treatise, Versuch einer Anweisung die Flöte traversiere zu spielen (On Playing the Flute). The work serves as a primary example of the "Mixed Taste" (vermischter Geschmack) he advocated: a fusion of Italian brilliance, French ornamentation, and German counterpoint.

Verena Fischer (tranverse flute), Leon Berben (harpsichord), Klaus-Dieter Brandt (cello), 2009, Naxos

1. Allegro assai

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Verena Fischer (tranverse flute), Leon Berben (harpsichord), Klaus-Dieter Brandt (cello), 2009, Naxos

2. Arioso

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Verena Fischer (tranverse flute), Leon Berben (harpsichord), Klaus-Dieter Brandt (cello), 2009, Naxos

3. Alla Forlana ma 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.