Johann Gottlieb Janitsch

1708-1763

Another composer who was born in the “wrong” country, Janitsch was always thought of as German having been born in Schweidnitz. Today it is Świdnica and in Poland!

Brought up in a well to do middle class home his father determined that he should study law and make it his career. However Johann’s musical talents kept getting in the way. Even when he was appointed secretary to the War Minister in Berlin Crown Prince Frederick spotted his talent and moved him to Rheinsberg to perform with his orchestra.

He started “Friday Academies” in Rheinsberg where musicians would gather and perform. It was also a great way of getting his own compositions trialled.

When Frederick became King Johann and his Friday Academies were both transferred to Berlin. He composed the music for the annual court balls held by the King. He remained in Berlin until his death in 1763.

The rare performances of his work are in part because although lots of it survived, it was mostly in manuscript form with very few pieces actually published. Much of his surviving work is chamber music and especially trio sonatas.