King Frederick the Great of Prussia 7 Flute Sonatas

Featuring

Mary Oleskiewicz
David Schulenberg
Balázs Máté
Friedrich II von Preussen (Frederick the Great)

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Historical Context

Frederick II equipped his private music rooms with the latest fortepianos by Gottfried Silbermann, two of which are still preserved in the royal palaces.

Instruments

These flutes, designed by Johann Joachim Quantz for Frederick II, play at the deeper French pitch of a'=385 Hz and produce a 'thick, round, masculine' sound modeled after the contralto voice.

Composer Biography

Frederick II, known as 'the Great', was King of Prussia from 1740 and began composing at the age of twenty, writing his first solo sonatas for flute and basso continuo by 1733.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Frederick II's love for cantata and opera is reflected in his compositions, with some sonata movements appearing as opera arias and instrumental recitatives.

Recording & Production

This CD presents the first-ever recordings of King Frederick II's works made in the historic private royal music room of Sanssouci Palace, where he held his nightly music soirées.

Instruments

The royal flutes, made of ebony and ivory, were innovatively designed by Frederick II's private flute teacher, Johann Joachim Quantz, and feature a special tuning slide and two keys.