Although founded only three years ago by oboist Christopher Palameta, the Montreal-based ensemble Notturna is quickly making its mark on the early music scene. Just recently, their first recording in a series of five compact discs of the complete (27) "quadro sonatas" of Johann Gottlieb Janitsch (1708-1763) was released on the ATMA Classique label. These progressive sonatas are sometimes referred to as "continuo quartets" because of the 4-voice style in which they are written, like a string quartet.
Janitsch was a contraviolonist (double-bassist) in the Royal Orchestra of the Court of Prussia (that is the court of none other than Frederick the Great). Among his colleagues and contemporaries were Franz Benda, Johann Joachim Quantz, and C.P.E. Bach. Clearly, he has been long overlooked.
Although it should not be surprising that the traverso (flute), the prized instrument of his patron monarch, is featured prominently in these works, it is the viola which is frequently employed in important musical roles. Janitsch's works were especially notable for their use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity.
Currently residing in France, Christopher Palameto will be in Canada in July, participating in the Festival International de Musique Baroque de Lamèque in New Brunswick with Notturna, which will be the ensemble-in-residence at this amazing early music event. To learn more about this exciting new ensemble, visit their website: www.notturna.ca.
Frank T. Nakashima, The WholeNote's Early Music columnist
