J.J. Quantz: Sonata in F Major, No. 272, QV 1:93 was written approximately in 1745- 1750, during his mature Berlin period. This sonata was written specifically for Frederick II ("the Great") of Prussia. Quantz was under an exclusive contract that forbid him from publishing or performing these works outside of the King's service.
The designation "No. 272" comes from the Catalogue des solos pour Sans Souci, a thematic list started in 1763 to organize Frederick the Great's extensive private library. Quantz’s sonatas in this catalog are numbered in a sequence that generally reflects their acquisition or composition for the King’s evening concerts.
The Sonata most likely was premiered during one of the King’s private evening concerts (Abendmusiken) at the Sanssouci Palace or the Berlin City Palace. In these intimate settings, the King himself usually performed the flute part, accompanied by a small chamber ensemble that often included C.P.E. Bach on harpsichord and Franz Benda on violin.
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.

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

1. Allegro

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

2. Largo

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