Franz Xaver Richter was one of the most important representatives of the famous Mannheim school. The musician from Moravia not only played the violin in the Mannheim Hofkapelle for over twenty years, he also sang the bass in the court opera of Elector Karl Theodor. As a composer, he primarily created symphonic works during this time, which have everything that made up the galant Mannheim style at the interface between baroque and classical music: variety, contrasts, surprises and a very special orchestral sound. These characteristics can be impressively understood in the over 20-minute Flute Concerto in E minor, which is at the centre of this album, as well as in two harpsichord trios and a trio sonata for two violins. A flute concerto by Johann Stamitz, co-founder of the Mannheim School, rounds off the album.

TRACKLIST

01. Flute Concerto in E Minor: I. Allegro moderato
02. Flute Concerto in E Minor: II. Andantino
03. Flute Concerto in E Minor: III. Allegro, ma non troppo
04. Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 1: I. Allegro brillante
05. Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 1: II. Poco andante grazioso
06. Trio Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 4 No. 1: III. Giga. Allegro
07. Flute Concerto in G Major: I. Allegro moderato
08. Flute Concerto in G Major: II. Adagio
09. Flute Concerto in G Major: III. Presto
10. Harpsichord Trio No. 1 in D Major: I. Allegretto
11. Harpsichord Trio No. 1 in D Major: II. Larghetto
12. Harpsichord Trio No. 1 in D Major: III. Presto, ma non troppo
13. Harpsichord Trio No. 6 in G Minor: I. Andante
14. Harpsichord Trio No. 6 in G Minor: II. Larghetto
15. Harpsichord Trio No. 6 in G Minor: III. Allegro, ma non troppo