J.J. Quantz: Sonata in G Minor, QV 1:28 was written approximately 740–1744. In the Prussian royal catalogs (the Catalogue des solos pour Sans Souci), this work is identified as No. 142. Its composition coincides with the pivotal moment when Quantz transitioned from the Dresden court to the exclusive service of Frederick the Great in Berlin (1741).
The work was dedicated to Frederick II ("the Great") of Prussia. Like almost all of Quantz's sonatas with a solo number, it was Frederick's private property and could not be performed or published without royal consent. Around the time of QV 1:128, Quantz was refining his "Mixed Taste" (vermischter Geschmack), blending the virtuosity of Italian concertos with the intricate ornamentation of the French style.
The sonata received its premiere at the Prussian court's nightly chamber concerts (Abendmusiken). In these intimate sessions, King Frederick typically performed the solo flute part, likely accompanied by a continuo group that included C.P.E. Bach on harpsichord.
The year 1741 was the most consequential in Quantz's life. After years of secret lessons with the then-Crown Prince, Quantz was finally lured from Dresden to Berlin with an unprecedented salary of 2,000 thalers. This sonata reflects the high technical and artistic expectations of this new, exclusive position.

Mary Oleskiewicz (transverse flute), David Schulenberg (harpsichord), Stephanie Vial (cello), 2003, Naxos

1. Andante moderato

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Mary Oleskiewicz (transverse flute), David Schulenberg (harpsichord), Stephanie Vial (cello), 2003, Naxos

2. Allegro

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Mary Oleskiewicz (transverse flute), David Schulenberg (harpsichord), Stephanie Vial (cello), 2003, Naxos

3. Allegro

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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.