The Early Music Show - 13/09/2008

Lucie Skeaping presents a programme which focuses on the turbulent lives and the music of three composers from the same 18th century family - the Stamitzes. Bohemian-born Joseph Stamitz made a name for himself as the music director at the Dresden court in Germany, and was famous for nurturing what was arguably the best, most stylish orchestra in Europe at that time. He died, tragically young, but left two equally talented sons, Carl and Anton, who both rose to stardom as performers and composers, taking pre-Revolutionary Paris by storm. The brothers were both plagued by poor financial acumen, so their success was relatively shortlived. Anton died in a Parisian asylum, and Carl spent the most part of his life as a travelling virtuoso, trying his best to make ends meet. There's a wonderful legacy of compositions, though, including some excellent symphonies which are among the most influential of the time. Playlist: Johann Stamitz: Concerto for organ and orchestra no. 1 in C major: Allegro assai Alena Vesela (organ) Dvorak Chamber Orchestra Vladimir Valek, conductor SUPRAPHON SU 3094 2 011 Track 3 Johann Stamitz: Concerto for flute and orchestra in C major: Prestissimo Jean-Pierre Rampal (flute) Chamber Orchestra of Jean-Francois Paillard Jean-Francois Paillard PANTON 81 1422 2 131 Track 9 Carl Stamitz: Octet for no. 2 in B flat major Consortium Classicum CPO 999 081 2 Tracks 17-19 Anton Stamitz: Concerto for viola and orchestra in B minor: Romance Jan Peruska (viola) Prague Chamber Orchestra Jiri Belohlavek, conductor PANTON 81 1422 2 131 Track 8 Carl Stamitz: Symphony in D major "La Chasse" London Mozart Players Matthias Bamert, conductor CHANDOS 93 58 Tracks 10-12