The composer and violin virtuoso Johann Stamitz not only established the world-famous Mannheim school in the 18th century but is known among clarinettists above all for presumably being the first to present them with a true solo concerto. Even though Stamitz left it at just this one concerto, it has enjoyed great popularity since its rediscovery in the 20th century and has become a standard work in the concert repertoire. Due to its moderate technical demands, it is ideally suited for music students as a “first” solo concerto, and as preparation for the more demanding solo parts of Mozart, Weber and Spohr. The newly prepared piano reduction was undertaken with a view to make it easy to play so that also less experienced piano players can undertake the accompaniment of the soloist; a renowned clarinettist, editor Nicolai Pfeffer also contributes suggestions for the cadenzas – the result is an ideal Urtext edition for student recitals and music schools.
Content/Details
- Clarinet Concerto B flat major
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About the composer
Johann Stamitz
A Bohemian composer and violinist, regarded as a founder of the Mannheim School. Under him, the musical life at the Palatinate court and in its orchestra experienced a golden age. He occupies a prominent position in the history of the symphonie concertante. Along with over 60 symphonies, he wrote numerous concerti and chamber music works (among other things).
| 1717 | Born in Německý Brod, the son of an organist; baptized on June 19. |
| 1728–34 | He attends the Jesuit secondary school in Jihlava. |
| 1734–35 | Studies at the University of Prague. |
| around 1741 | Becomes violinist in the Mannheim court chapel. |
| 1742 | On June 29 in Frankfurt am Main, he gives a concert on the violin, the viola d’amore, the cello, and the double bass for the imperial coronation of Charles VII. |
| from 1743 | As concertmaster of the Mannheim court orchestra, he builds up a group of violinists that significantly improves the quality of the ensemble. |
| 1750 | On February 27, he is promoted to instrumental music director. Under his direction, the Mannheim Orchestra rises to become one of the most popular and skilled of its day. |
| 1751–53 | At the Palatinate court he occupies the position of deputy music director under Ignaz Holzbauer. |
| 1754 | His symphonies and concerti are performed in Paris, enabling him to establish himself as a composer and virtuoso there. He composes for occasions hosted by the fermier général (tax-farmer general) Alexandre Jean Joseph Le Riche de la Poupelinière and assumes direction of his private choir in Passy. |
| 1755 | A publishing privilege dated August 29 allows him to publish his works in Paris. In September he makes his way back to Mannheim. |
| 1757 | Burial in Mannheim on March 30. |
