J.J. Quantz: Sonata in G Minor, QV 1:116 was written in the late around 1732-1735. This composition belongs to a prolific group of works composed while Quantz was a member of the elite Dresden Court Orchestra, which was then considered the most prestigious ensemble in Europe.
It is identified as QV 1:116 in the Quantz-Verzeichnis. Unlike his later works, it lacks 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 (Nos. 1–87).
During the 1730s, Quantz served Augustus II ("the Strong") and Augustus III in Dresden. While not dedicated to a specific individual in the restrictive manner of his later "Royal solos," it was written for the elite musical circles of the Saxon court.
This sonata reflects the "Mixed Taste" (vermischter Geschmack) Quantz pioneered, fusing Italian rhythmic drive and brilliance with the intricate ornamentation of the French style.
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 to a three-movement sequence.

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

1. Grave

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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. Lento

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

4. Tempo di Minuetto

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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.