Quantz Flute Concertos

I've recently become acquainted with period ensemble Die Kölner Akademie and this recording poppued up featuring concertos by Johann Joachim Quantz. This is the first time I've heard Eric Lamb, who plays, according to the notes, on a "wooden flute."

Upon first listen I'd assume Lamb was playing on a modern flute; his tone is quite focused with none of the veil or texture I'm used to hearing on baroque flute. I came back to the recording and thought I'd capture a few thoughts.

Quantz is an interesting figure; his position in the court of Frederick the Great meant he had some job security; he was also personal teacher to the King, who was also a flute player. Quantz's style is clearly in a transitional period between high baroque and early classical, which often gets labeled galant, the style lighter than his fellow musician CPE Bach's father, and more driven by melody and accompaniment over counterpoint.

He's most definitely an important figure for flute players, not only for holding an important post, but also having the influence he did through a published treatise on flute playing. Lamb's playing is precise and his tone quite affectionate.

My concerns about the recording stem from the somewhat stiff time keeping by the ensemble and the lack of real dynamic variation they employ; they do adequately as a backup band, but the textures at times are thin enough to accommodate more rubato with tempo and more dynamic contrast in line with Lamb's playing.

I am concernerd that the recording does not employ a baroque flute or copy, as might be expected with an ensemble that uses authentic instruments. Playing a different set of concertos (no one accused Quantz for not being prolific!), the style and effect brought about with Les Buffardins and Frank Theuns on flute, combines more sophsticated shaping from the band and a more authentic flute sound.

All said, I do not currently own these four concertos (nos. 109, 97, 95, 146) by others currently, so it earns its keep in providing access to four otherwise unheard Quantz concertos. Engineering wise, I think Lamb is captured especially well, but the rest of the ensemble sounds a bit too close and flat, which could explain the lack of dynamics.