Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Complete Flute Quartets (A Nocte Temporis)

Information

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Flute Quartet in C major, K. Anh.171/285b
• Flute Quartet in G Major, K. 285a
• Flute Quartet in D Major, K. 285
• Flute Quartet in A Major, K. 298
• Piano Sonata No. 8 in D Major, K. 311/284c (arr. Franz Anton Hoffmeister)

A Nocte Temporis

    Anna Besson, flute

    Louis Créac'h, violin

    Manuela Bucher, viola

    Ronan Kernoa, cello

Date: 2026

Label: Alpha Classics

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During his stay in Mannheim from 1777 to 1778, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was commissioned to write flute quartets K. 285 and K. 285a, capitalising on the instrument’s popularity under the flute-playing Prince-Elector Karl Theodor. Later graphological research suggests the K. 285b quartet was actually composed in Vienna around 1786–1787. Flautist Anna Besson revisits these milestone works—first performed during her early touring career at age fifteen—in a recording that also features Franz Anton Hoffmeister’s delicate transcription of the Piano Sonata K. 311. Hoffmeister’s arrangement masterfully redistributes Mozart's original keyboard part across flute and strings, highlighting the poetic, lyrical middle movement.

Founded in 2016 by tenor Reinoud Van Mechelen and flautist Anna Besson, the early music ensemble A Nocte Temporis takes its name from the Latin phrase for "from time immemorial." Dedicated to historically informed performance practice, the group explores forgotten Baroque treasures, focusing on the intimate dialogue between voice and flute. Their acclaimed discography on Alpha Classics—spanning chamber works, orchestral programs, and an award-winning haute-contre vocal trilogy—has earned major honors including the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik and a Gramophone award. Collaborating with top choirs and performing internationally, the ensemble continues to champion rare 17th- and 18th-century European repertoire.

High Resolution 24-bit / 192 kHz