Frederick II ‘the Great’ of Prussia (1712-86) was the greatest military leader of the eighteenth century, and was a progressive and enlightened monarch, modernising industry, reforming taxation and the currency, and supporting religious tolerance.  He was a cultured man, understanding a number of languages and acting as a knowledgeable patron of architects, philosophers and writers.  He is particularly remembered for his musical activities: he played the flute, was an accomplished composer, and supervised every aspect of the daily concerts at Sanssouci, his summer palace near Potsdam.

This concert is an evocation in words and music of the rich cultural life at Sanssouci, with music by Frederick himself, his accompanist C.P.E.Bach, and other Berlin court composers.  The famous account of J.S. Bach’s visit to Sanssouci in 1747 is featured, as are extracts from Bach’s Musical Offering, the masterpiece inspired by and dedicated to Frederick — who devised its theme as an improvisation test for the composer.

At 6.15 in the church there will be a pre-concert talk, ‘The Greatness of Frederick the Great’ by Professor Anthony King, University of Essex.