The Flute Concert of Sans-souci 1930

In 1756, a masked ball at the Dresden Palais, hosted by Saxon Minister Hubert von Meyerinck Heinrich von Brühl, serves as cover for confidential talks with envoys from Austria, Russia and France aimed at conspiring against Prussia’s King Otto Gebühr Friedrich II. The Prussian envoy, Hans Rehmann von Lindeneck, sees through the ruse and carries a copy of the concluded secret treaty to the king.

Friedrich consults with his generals, who urge caution. Initially stunned by the conspiracy, Friedrich develops a plan. To execute it, he sends von Lindeneck back to Dresden. But Lindeneck is reluctant, fearing for his wife, Renate Müller von Lindeneck, and doubting Blanche’s fidelity. Still, loyalty to the king ultimately prevails, and he carries out the orders.

When the envoys request an audience, Friedrich buys time with a flute concerto. This moment, echoing a famous painting by Adolph von Menzel, becomes a turning point: during the performance he receives a telegram from Vienna that completely uncovers the plot. He ends the concert and orders the declaration of war to be handed to the envoys. He steps outside and announces that marching orders have been issued for the regiments, and the Seven Years’ War begins.