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.
