Florilegium - MUSIC FOR A KING: Chamber Works from the Court of Frederick the Great (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

Frederick the Great himself is known to have composed one hundred and twenty-one flute sonatas, four flute concertos, a symphony, various arias and an overture. These works were written in the mixed style advocated by Quantz in an attempt to blend Italian music of the senses with French music of reason.

The king’s love of music was real and genuine, and he desired and ensured that others should enjoy it in the same way. As a performer he was probably one of the most distinguished amateurs ever. As a composer he wrote nothing eminent or really original, though some pieces exuded a certain beauty and charm. However, this recording promotes the extraordinary talent of the musicians and composers he surrounded himself with at court, the luminaries of the 18th century, all brought together by one of the greatest musical patrons that ever lived.

Tracklist:
1. Ricercar a 3 from Musical Offering BWV 1079
2. Trio Sonata in e minor QV2 -20. Mvt 1 - Allegro ma non tanto
3. Trio Sonata in e minor QV2 -20. Mvt 2 - Affetuoso
4. Trio Sonata in e minor QV2 -20. Mvt 3 - Vivace
5. Sonata in C major for cello and continuo, Graun WV B -XVII -53. Mvt 1 - Largo
6. Sonata in C major for cello and continuo, Graun WV B -XVII -53. Mvt 2 - Poco allegro
7. Sonata in C major for cello and continuo, Graun WV B -XVII -53. Mvt 3 - Allegretto
8. Quintetto in a minor Graun WV AV -XIV -14. Mvt 1 - Amabile
9. Quintetto in a minor Graun WV AV -XIV -14. Mvt 2 - Allegro non tanto
10. Quintetto in a minor Graun WV AV -XIV -14. Mvt 3 - Allegro alla Siciliano
11. Sonata in D major for flute and continuo. Mvt 1 - Adagio
12. Sonata in D major for flute and continuo. Mvt 2 - Allegro ma non troppo
13. Sonata in D major for flute and continuo. Mvt 3 - Cantabile
14. Sonata in E major for violin and continuo. Mvt 1 - Adagio
15. Sonata in E major for violin and continuo. Mvt 2 - Allegro ma non troppoo
16. Sonata in E major for violin and continuo. Mvt 3 - Untitled
17. Andantino con VII Variazioni in G major op. 17
18. Duetto in G major Wq.150 - H.598. Mvt 1 - Andante
19. Duetto in G major Wq.150 - H.598. Mvt 2 - Allegro
20. Duetto in G major Wq.150 - H.598. Mvt 3 - Allegretto