Biography
Janitsch enjoyed widespread esteem from fellow musicians of his era while occupying key roles within the Prussian court establishment. Upon reaching twenty one he enrolled at the University of Frankfurt an der Oder, where he actively engaged with the local musical community. A serenade of his received a performance in the presence of Frederich Wilhelm I, and he later presented another comparable concert for Crown Prince Frederick. Serving initially as secretary to Franz Wilhelm von Happe, he next joined the orchestra of Frederick The Great as a personal musician. He advanced to the post of contraviolinist, accompanied Frederick during the relocation to Berlin, and stayed in that city for the remainder of his life. At court he launched the “Friday Academies,” events that directly prompted Schale’s “Monday Assemblies” and Agricola’s “Saturday Concerts.” Numerous prestigious courtly events required him to supply new works, a circumstance that shaped his adoption of the galnat style. His output of sonatas for harpsichord and organ revealed a strong command of counterpoint alongside limited melodic originality.