Johann Joachim Quantz

Johann Joachim Quantz was reputed to play the double bass at the age of eight. One can only assume that he was a tall lad. But we equate his name with the flute and an enormous quantity of flute concertos, not less than three hundred. He turned to the oboe before settling for the flute, so there is also a feeling that his musical life developed at a fast rate. His invention of a sliding tuning device for the flute, his appointment as court composer to Frederick of Prussia, and various other pursuits suggest a long healthy life. He was born on 30 January 1697 and died 12 July 1773 at 76, which shows that his lifespan well exceeded the norm for the period.

A selection of articles about Johann Joachim Quantz

CD Spotlight. A Young Saxon's Occasional Opera - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to 'Enea in Caonia' by Hasse. 'Stefano Montanari conducts ... skilfully, mostly in support of the voices.'

CD Spotlight. Great Character - German Baroque from the Hanoverian Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... another treasure trove of wonderful music ...'