J.J. Quantz: Sonata in E Minor, QV 1:76 was written around 1732-1735. It belongs to a group of works composed while Quantz was a member of the elite Dresden Court Orchestra. This Sonata is identified as QV 1:76 in the Quantz-Verzeichnis. Unlike his later works, it does not carry a standard "Solo Number" from the famous Sans Souci catalogs (which began at No. 88), as many earlier Dresden works were part of a now-lost Potsdam inventory.
The work was written during his service to the Electors of Saxony (Augustus II and Augustus III) in Dresden.
In the early 1730s, Quantz was perfecting his "Mixed Taste" (vermischter Geschmack)—a fusion of Italian brilliance, French elegance, and German counterpoint. This sonata reflects the high technical standards of the Dresden orchestra, which was considered the finest in Europe.
Following late Baroque traditions, his early sonatas often utilized the four-movement Sonata da Chiesa structure (Slow-Fast-Slow-Fast), a form he would later simplify for the Prussian court.
This was the decade when the then-Crown Prince Frederick of Prussia began taking secret flute lessons from Quantz. Sonatas like QV 1:76 likely served as the foundational material for the future King’s training.

Benedek Csalog (flute), Dóra Pétery (harpsichord), 2024, Brilliant Classics / Kontor New Media

1. Adagio

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Benedek Csalog (flute), Dóra Pétery (harpsichord), 2024, Brilliant Classics / Kontor New Media

2. Allegretto

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Benedek Csalog (flute), Dóra Pétery (harpsichord), 2024, Brilliant Classics / Kontor New Media

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.