Johann Stamitz

(also Jan Václav Antonín Stamic). Born June 19, 1717, in Havlíčkův-Brod; died Mar. 27,1757, in Mannheim. Czech composer, violinist, and conductor.

Stamitz studied music both with his father and at a Jesuit school in Jihlava. He worked in Prague. In 1744 he became first violinist of the Mannheim orchestra and in 1748 the orchestra’s concertmaster and director of chamber music. He made appearances in German cities and in Paris as a virtuoso violinist and conductor. Stamitz was the leader of the Mannheim school of music.

As a performer and composer, Stamitz reflected the artistic ideals of the Enlightenment and the traditions of Czech folk music in his work. He composed 74 symphonies, as well as orchestral trios and instrumental concertos, sonatas, capriccios, duets, and church music. He developed the sonata form and dynamic orchestral effects, introduced dramatic and heroic elements and thematic contrasts, and included French horns and clarinets in the orchestra. His students included his sons Carl and Anton and C. Cannabich.