Sonatas from the 18th century by two musical brothers, in stylish, historically informed performances from 1994.

Very little music by the Groneman brothers is known today, apart from the pieces on this album, which have survived simply because of their popularity with the flautists of their day. These sonatas are both enjoyable to listen to and to play and have an added fascination today as they give an insight into the 18th century flutist's taste and technique.

Johannes Albertus Groneman (ca. 1708-1781) and Johannes Fredericus Groneman (1711-1778) were both probably born in Cologne, where their father was a military musician. Albertus developed his skills as a violinist beyond mere ability and left the city to pursue his profession as an occasional musician in what is now the Netherlands. After settling in Leiden around 1731, he wrote virtuoso pieces for violin and flute, which proved so popular that they were repeatedly published in London and Paris. He performed throughout Holland and then moved from Leiden to The Hague, where he obtained a lucrative and coveted position as church organist.

This career of steady success and growing fame ended suddenly and tragically in 1756 when he was committed to an insane asylum, where he spent the rest of his life in poverty. Fredericus has since become a much more shadowy figure for us: the three books of his flute sonatas listed in the catalogs of contemporary publishers have disappeared, as have all details of his life and career. There is no doubt of his talent as a musician when one considers the sonatas presented here, as they show an up-to-date knowledge of the latest musical trends of masters such as Tartini and Geminiani, yet still display a highly expressive style all of their own.

Similarly, the two flute duets by Albertus Groneman show why his music was so popular during his lifetime: by turns graceful, surprising, virtuosic and sweetly singing, they demonstrate the full range of the flute's possibilities. Like Telemann's duets from the same period, they are full of imagination and wit and bear witness not only to the worthiness of their creator, but also to the taste of the 18th-century flautist who loved them so much.

Originally released on the Dutch label NM Classics, this new edition provides a valuable window into the vibrant culture of chamber music in 18th century Holland, performed by specialists in the field.

- Johannes Albertus Groneman (baptized 1711-1778) and his brother Johannes Fredericus were born into a musical family in Hamm (Germany). They enjoyed an education typical of the sons of 18th century musicians: they learned the craft from their father, played several instruments and were taught composition, harmony and singing. Through his teacher Carl Rosier, Albertus came to the Netherlands, where he settled in Utrecht in 1729 and later moved to Leiden. It was during this time in Leiden that most of Groneman's surviving music was composed, and probably all of the music on this recording. After his arrival in the famous university city, Groneman easily established himself in the highest social circles and enjoyed the friendship and patronage of patricians and professors, while wealthy merchants and musicians of international repute became the godparents of his children. He bought a Stradivarius violin and a particularly beautiful harpsichord made by the famous Flemish harpsichord maker Ruckers. He published virtuoso music for violin and flute, which proved so popular that it was repeatedly reprinted in London and Paris. - The flute sonatas consist of three movements, brilliant allegros that frame a melancholy and moving andante full of bold harmonies. The style is graceful and sweetly singing and shows the full range of the flute's brilliant possibilities.

- Performed by Jed Wentz (flute), a pioneer in the performance practice of French Baroque music in particular for his instrument. His numerous recordings for Brilliant Classics (J. S. Bach and C. P.E. Bach, Blavet, Couperin, Boismortier, Braun, Roman) have established him as one of the leading interpreters in this field.

- Recorded in 1994, a reissue from the catalog of NM Classics, the label for music from the Netherlands.