Benda, Franz: Flute Concerto in E minor

Emmanuel Pahud performs music written for and by the gifted flautist, composer and patron of the arts, King Frederick the Great of Prussia. The release features concerti, solo sonatas and chamber works by J S Bach, CPE Bach, Johann Joachim Quantz, Franz Benda, Johann Friedrich Agricola, Anna Amalia von Preussen and Frederick the Great.

Joining Pahud are the period instrument ensemble Kammerakademie Potsdam and renowned harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock. 'The Flute King' anticipates the 300th anniversary, in January 2012, of the birth of an enlightened monarch whose love of music changed the musical scene in continental Europe.

A new release from a very recently formed ensemble which gave its first performance in October 2009.

Both C.P.E. Bach and Franz Benda were composers who enjoyed the favour of the court of Frederick the Great and who developed a highly individual and lasting style of music in the monarch's service. Though ‘Old Fritz’ demanded works in the pleasing galant style for his almost daily music sessions from his court musicians, Franz Benda succeeded in humouring the king without stooping to compromise quality. His three concertos and the sonata for flute seem to have been tailor-made for Frederick II; in the galant style, yet full of sensitivity and profound emotion. Benda's compositions have hitherto been viewed as the work of the violinist, since he was after all a famous violin virtuoso himself. All the more pleasing, therefore, is the fact that on this recording, Benda's flute concerto has been included and can enjoy more exposure.

Franz Benda (1709-1786) worked for much of his life at the court of Frederick the Great. He was a prolific composer but very few of his works were published. His brother Georg (1722-1795) received a similar education as choirboy, violinist and harpsichordist. Il Gardellino was founded in 1988 and its members are specialists in performance on early instruments.