Jean-Baptiste Quentin


Jean-Baptiste Quentin, the young was a French violinist and composer of the Baroque era.

Biography

Born in Paris, Jean-Baptiste Quentin, brother of Bertin Quentin, became a violinist at the Académie royale de musique in 1718. From 1738 he played the violin fifth in the "Grand Chœur". His qualities as a violinist were mentioned several times in the Mercure de France, but also in Germany by Friedrich Wilhelm Marpurg who described favorably the qualities of his playing.
His work as a composer is quite important and is mainly devoted to the chamber music for violins with basso continuo. His Op.17 is composed of trio sonata or quartet sonatas, which are no longer purely solistic and are like many other examples from the era of trios or quartets, playable by a string orchestra. In his violin sonatas he indicates bow strokes and signs of dynamics.

Works (selection)

  • Opp. 1–3, 3 Books each composed of 10 sonatas for violin and Basso continuo
  • Opp. 4–7, 4 Books of 6 trio sonatas for 2 violins or 2 flutes and B.c.
  • Opp. 8–11, 4 Books of 5 trio sonatas and 1 Sonate en quatre parties each
  • Op. 12, 1 concerto for violin and 5 trio sonatas
  • Op. 13, 6 trio sonatas for 2 violins or 2 flutes and B.c.
  • Op. 14, 6 sonatas for violin and B.c.
  • Op. 15, 5 trio sonatas and 1 Sonate en quatre parties
  • Op. 16, 6 trio sonatas for 2 violins or 2 flutes and B.c.
  • Op. 17, Sonate et Simphonies en trio et à 4 parties
  • Opp. 18 & 19, 2 Books of 6 trio sonatas for 2 violins or 2 flutes and B.c.

Discography