Carl Stamitz (1745-1801); DEU

Carl Stamitz (1745–1801) was a German composer and violinist born in Mannheim, the eldest surviving son of Johann Stamitz. Trained within the celebrated Mannheim court orchestra, he joined it as a violinist while still young. After leaving Mannheim in 1770, he pursued an extensive career as a travelling virtuoso in Paris, London, The Hague, and numerous German cities.

Stamitz composed prolifically for orchestra and solo instruments, particularly violin, viola, clarinet, and other winds. His many symphonies, symphonies concertantes, concertos, and chamber works exemplify the elegant, energetic Mannheim style. His concertos for viola and clarinet are especially important, helping establish those instruments as prominent solo voices and carrying the Mannheim tradition into the mature Classical era.

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Read biography at allmusic.com.