Flute Classical Music

Flute classical music encompasses the years from 1750 to 1820.

We find the harpsichord being phased out and the piano becoming the standard keyboard instrument.

Polyphony has given rise to an accompanied melodic line.

Strict formal structure rules the day in sonatas and concerti.

Haydn, Mozart, and early Beethoven are the top names of this era, but there many other composers give us lovely flute music as well.

One of the hallmarks of this period for flutists was amateur player, Frederick the Great.

We flutists revel in our Mozart concerti, the D Major and the G Major, and indeed these are heavenly pieces. Were they written for flute originally? Probably not, but no matter. The melody and harmonies transcend instrumentation.

Another highlight for flute music from the classical era came from German composer and flutist, Johann Joachim Quantz, who lived from January 30, 1697 to July 12, 1773. As court composer to flute enthusiast, Frederick the Great of Prussia, he composed over 300 concert, mostly for the flute.

Quantz also wrote a famous treatise on flute playing and added a key system to the flute to help with the intonation of the instrument.

Unfortunately, Classical master composer, Franz Joseph Haydn, did not compose any solo music for the flute, but we borrow his works for oboe and trumpet, and they work quite well.

Highlights from the flute Classical Music repertoire...

• Mozart Concerto in D Major