Johann Gottlieb Janitsch (1708–1763) was a significant figure in the German Baroque music scene, widely recognized for his contributions during the transition from Baroque to Classical music. Janitsch was born in Schweidnitz in the province of Silesia, which today is Świdnica, Poland. He received his musical education at the University of Frankfurt (Oder) and subsequently worked at the court of Frederick the Great of Prussia, where he had ample opportunity to hone his compositional skills. His professional life flourished in Berlin, where he became one of the founders of the so-called 'Berlin School' of composers.

Throughout his career, Janitsch was known for his chamber music, most notably his quartets for various combinations of instruments, which were a significant development in the 18th-century chamber music repertoire. These works combined the Italianate concerto style with German counterpoint, showcasing his mastery of blending different influences in his compositions. Much of Janitsch's work was innovative at the time, with pieces like the "Quadro in G Minor" and the "Sonata da Camera in C Minor" reflecting a sophisticated use of the sonata da camera and sonata da chiesa forms. Janitsch left a legacy through his compositions that earned him a respected place among his contemporaries, although many of his works were unfortunately lost or fell into obscurity after his death. However, with recent years seeing a revival of interest and recordings like "Johann Gottlieb Janitsch: Instrumental Music" and "Janitsch: Berliner Quartette," his music is once again being appreciated for its rich textures and melodic beauty.

Genres

Baroque

Galante Era

German Baroque

Latest Release

Quadro e-Moll: I. Affettuoso alla Siciliana

Johann Gottlieb Janitsch

Single - Released March 1, 2024