Franz Benda, a Czech vocalist, violinist and composer, learned his craft in Prague and Dresden, and for some time belonged to a company of itinerant musicians. But he is chiefly associated with the great era of the court of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, joining the court when Frederick was still c... More informationrown prince in 1733 and continuing in service there after Frederick became King of Prussia in 1740. Thirty years later, in 1770, Frederick rewarded Benda’s long service with the prestigious title Konzertmeister. Of the many concertos for solo violin Benda composed, two employ a distinctive five-ritornello pattern that is likely a sign of the influence of Giuseppe Tartini, the great Italian composer-violinist of the period. Benda also composed for the flute. Indeed, in 2010, Membran Music released two recordings of Benda’s work as part of a 4 CD box set of the work of flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. Less information