Marcin Świątkiewicz - Harpsichord Concertos, Symphonies - Import CD

Credits:

Marcin Świątkiewicz

Description:

A collection of little-known late Baroque harpsichord concertos performed by Poland’s finest musicians! Born in Świdnica, in present-day Poland, in the early 18th century, Johann Gottlieb Janicz displayed musical talent from an early age. Even after enrolling at the University of Frankfurt to study law, he continued to perform as a member of the university orchestra. Many members of this ensemble went on to join the court orchestra of King Frederick William of Prussia, and after graduating from university, Jarnicz served at the Prussian court in Berlin, later joining the court orchestra of the famous Frederick the Great. Having deepened his connections with the nobility there, Janitsch organized and held concerts at their mansions under the name “Friday Academy,” which became a huge success. Janitsch’s name has been known primarily for his chamber music works. Among these, his quartets for three melody instruments and basso continuo are considered masterpieces. While many of his works were thought to have been lost after his death, numerous compositions were discovered at the Singakademie in Berlin in the 21st century. These works are representative of the Galant style that was popular in 18th-century Europe, and the harpsichord concerto recorded here can be considered a masterpiece of keyboard concertos in the Galant style, comparable to those of Bach’s two sons, Wilhelm Friedemann and Carl Philipp Emanuel. The Concerto in F major, which begins with a distinctly Gallant atmosphere, features a melody in the second movement that bears a striking resemblance to the Lacrimosa from Mozart’s “Requiem”; this expression of sorrow creates a vivid contrast to the brilliant first and third movements. Furthermore, the final movement of the concerto, written in the key of E-flat major—which was rare for its time—features a unique character with rhythms and timbres reminiscent of a fandango. Both of the featured concertos are works with striking individuality. The two symphonies included on this recording were selected for their tonal affinities with the harpsichord concertos. Although they follow a simple three-movement form that could be called a “sinfonia,” the addition of contrapuntal elements to the Gallant style makes them highly engaging. Born in 1984, Polish keyboardist Szymon Tokiewicz has made outstanding recordings with Arte dei Sonatori, a leading Polish early music ensemble of international renown, including the collection of keyboard concertos by Johann Gottfried Müthel—considered Bach’s last disciple— (BIS2179) and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Hamburg Symphonies and Sinfonias (BISSA2459). On this album, Janić plays a replica instrument modeled after a Luccas harpsichord that underwent significant modifications in the 18th century. Together with the skilled musicians of Arte dei Sonatori, he delivers a vibrant and magnificent performance that conveys the charm of Janić’s works. Please enjoy Yarnitz’s works, which deserve attention not only for their historical significance as valuable pre-Classical keyboard concertos leading up to Mozart, but also for their exceptional quality. Cover Art: Carl Georg Anton Grabe: “Sanssouci Palace” (1843–45) Naxos Japan