Stamitz, Johann

Preface

Stamitz, Johann – The Periodical Overture in 8 parts No. 6

(1717–1757)

(edited by Barnaby Priest and Alyson McLamore, new print)

THE PERIODICAL OVERTURE IN 8 PARTS VI

Published by Robert Bremner at the Harp and Hautboy, opposite Somerset-House, in the Strand
Issued: 1 December 1763; price 2 shillings 6 pence
Source: Henry Watson Music Library – Courtesy of Manchester Libraries,
Information and Archives, Manchester City Council: BR580St313
Editors: Barnaby Priest & Alyson McLamore

COMMENTARY
The sixth issue in the Periodical Overture series represented several milestones: it culminated the first set (since mid-century symphonies were frequently issued in groups of six); it was the first overture to cost more than two shillings; and it was the first time Robert Bremner (c. 1713–1789) featured a “repeat” composer, Johann Stamitz (1717–1757). A work by Stamitz had been published only three months earlier as Periodical Overture No. 3, and it is tempting to speculate that it had enjoyed good sales, thus prompting Bremner to offer a second selection by that leading member of the
Mannheim school. Indeed, six more symphonies by Stamitz would appear in the Periodical Overtures, which put Stamitz in a tie for first place as the “most-represented” composer in the series, alongside the eight works by Johann Baptist Wanhal (Vanhal) (1739–1813) that Bremner also issued in the later years of this long-running publication. …

read more / (German preface not available) … > HERE