Johann Joachim Quantz Biography

Quantz was one of the first professional flute players in 18th-century Europe. He began as a town musician, trained to play all instruments, but after gaining a post as an oboist in the presitgious Dresden court ensemble, he began to specialise in the flute in 1719. he traveled to Italy, France, and England to broaden his musical education, then returned to Dresden. In 1741 he entered the service of Frederick the Great of Prussia, where he remained until his death, composing, performing, and making flutes for the king. His Essay on flute-playing (1752) made his famous throughout Europe and attracted pupils who formed a "school" of flute-playing which remained influential for another hundred years.



© 2000 Ardal Powell