The Janoska Style

The “Janoska Style” is a new, jointly created musical vision of classical music. Today “Janoska Style” also stands for a “golden” CD of the same title, released by Deutsche Grammophon, and has risen to become the distinctive brand of the Janoska Ensemble.

But above all else, the “Janoska Style” is a musical stroke of luck.

 

 

 

It would take a long time to list all the biographical and artistic ingredients that make up this style and render it possible, day after day after day. Even if reduced to basic elements, the list would still require a lot of space. First, there’s the Janoska Ensemble’s comprehensive grasp of thousands of volumes of music, a constant source of new themes and motifs. They draw not only on the venerable cosmos of classical music but on other genres as well, often “lighter” ones more familiar to the generally younger members of their audience. Their arrangements thus unite contrasting musical universes and equally contrasting fans. The Janoskas’ uniqueness lies in the great breadth and infectious panache of these fusions: all four members are solo artists of superlative technique and artistry. Not only have they enjoyed top-calibre musical educations, they’ve also mastered ensemble playing and spontaneous improvisation since early childhood. The schooling, training and experience that form the elemental artistic fibre of the Janoskas are augmented by three further success factors: the esprit of unbridled creativity, an appetite for discovery and an unbounded joy in ensemble music-making.


“The members of the Janoska Ensemble are wonderful musicians and I have always loved hearing them perform live.”
Anna Netrebko, soprano

“The way in which this ensemble approaches well-known pieces is hugely refreshing – so much imagination, so much musical sensitivity and such great skill: in a word, inspired!”

Alois Posch, double bass player


“The Janoska Ensemble is one of the most original groups of extremely talented musicians, who are very unique in performing classical music, jazz, Latin and other genres. Their inspiration is inexhaustible and they deserve everyone’s attention and enthusiasm.”

Lalo Schifrin, Hollywood composer


“I was very impressed upon discovering the Janoska Ensemble with their unique sound combined with extremely high-quality virtuosic playing. Their exciting interpretations and creative arrangements in their own very individual style produce a very innovative and refreshing new approach to music-making. I wish them the great success that they deserve!”

Mischa Maisky, cellist


“I have just finished listening to the Janoska CD and am in heaven. This is an album full of wonderful surprises and great musicianship! Bravo!!!”

Michel Camilo, pianist


“The Janoska Ensemble is an exceptional ensemble that performs outstanding arrangements – a genuine discovery for me and one that people will hear a lot more about!”

Christoph Eschenbach, pianist and conductor


“As an ensemble they are a whiff of fresh air, combining their outstanding, individual talents with their family ties. They have become successful in performing in a variety of genres in their unique ‘Janoska style’, which is creating a new hybrid genre.”

Julian Rachlin, violonist

This visible and audible joy infects their audiences over and over again. No matter which continent they happen to be touring, every evening these four top-drawer musicians bring cheering audiences to their feet. The reason is simple: they radiate passionate musical moods and feelings, amaze with explosive virtuosity and pristine execution, spread cheer with subtle humour and create moments of delight that border on genius and defy verbal description.

It would be a glaring omission to overlook an important education element of their artistry: the musicians of the Janoska Ensemble are happy to impart their solid knowledge. For years, and with growing frequency, they’ve held workshops and master-classes in many countries. Not only do they give instruction on how to play, they also, and especially, encourage young up-and-coming musicians to find styles of their own and to venture forth from classical music into the world of improvisation. The many delighted faces and fascinating comments of their students prove that these four ambassadors of the “Janoska Style” are no less successful as artistic midwives!