Western Civilization - History Of European Society

The Political Evolution of the Old Regime, 1715–89 365

French literature and music were more interesting (see
illustration 19.5). Frederick became an excellent flute
player and wrote flute compositions throughout his life.
When he came to power and built Sans Souci (“Care-
free”)—an ornate palace with French gardens—in Pots-
dam, outside Berlin, he delighted in the visits of Johann
Sebastian Bach, with whom he played duets, and
Voltaire, with whom he debated philosophy. Frederick

became such a voluminous writer that his collected

works run for thirty volumes.

Frederick II did not become known as Frederick the

Great for writing poetry and incidental pieces for the

flute. He turned to the task of government with enthu-

siasm and extended his father’s accomplishments. To

the bureaucracy he added a system of competitive ex-

aminations for promotions and his own tireless labor as

Illustration 19.5

Two Views of Enlightened Despo-

tism in Prussia.The rise of the Prussian

state rested on an unusually large army

for a small state, a thoroughly trained

army that was maintained with brutal

discipline. Frederick the Great, who

spent more time in warfare than music,

approved of the flogging of his soldiers

because he expected cadaver obedience

from them—the will to follow his orders

even after death. Nonetheless, Frederick

presented a cultivated and intellectual

side to his monarchy. He was a fine mu-

sician and spent many hours composing

his own music. In this illustration he

plays the flute at his palace, Sans Souci.