Carl Stamitz Program Notes and Sheet Music

Carl Stamitz (May 8, 1745 – November 9, 1801) was a German composer of the classical period. He was the son of Johann Stamitz, one of the founders of the Mannheim school of violin playing and composition. Carl Stamitz was a violinist and composer who worked in the Mannheim court orchestra. He is known for his development of the symphony and his use of sudden dynamic changes and orchestral effects.

Stamitz was born in Mannheim, Germany, in 1745. He studied violin with his father and composition with Christian Cannabich. In 1762, he joined the Mannheim court orchestra as a violinist. He became concertmaster in 1770. Stamitz left Mannheim in 1771 and traveled to Paris, where he worked as a composer and violinist. He returned to Mannheim in 1773 and remained there until 1778. Stamitz then moved to Strasbourg, where he worked as a composer and violinist. He died in Jena, Germany, in 1801.

Stamitz was a prolific composer. He wrote over 100 symphonies, 50 concertos, and numerous sonatas and other chamber works. His symphonies are characterized by their use of sudden dynamic changes, orchestral effects, and a clear and concise structure. His concertos are also known for their virtuosic writing for the solo instrument. Stamitz's music was highly influential on the development of the symphony and the concerto in the classical period.