Composed around 1771, Vanhal’s Flute Quartets, Op. 7 Nos. 2, 3 and 6 are beautifully proportioned works, unfailingly elegant in their structural detail and above all masterly examples of this most urbane of genres. Their contemporary popularity rested less on their technical accomplishment than on their melodic freshness and air of quiet sophistication. Written shortly after their composer had committed himself irrevocably to living as a freelance musician, these quartets illustrate most eloquently the reasons why he enjoyed such lasting success.