The Early Symphony

[french frank]

Sunday 6 November 1.00-2.00pm

"Catherine Bott reflects on the trail-blazing work of the pioneering symphonists of the 18th century such as Sammartini, the Stamitz family, Holzbauer, JC Bach, Monn and Wagenseil – and casts her net across many of Europe's major cities: from Milan to Mannheim; Hamburg and Dresden; Paris; Berlin; London; and Vienna.

The programme considers some of the novel innovations that were introduced into the symphony as the century progressed – and by dwelling on some of the music of lesser known composers, it provides a context for the musical world that many have come to associate with Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven."

[Serial_Apologist]

Thanks for this prompt, FF. I missed the broadcast of CPE Bach's first symphony the other day, and will certainly be listening.

S-A

[doversoul1]

This may look as if it is going rather too far to some members but this is after all Early Music show

Saturday 5 November
The Early Music discovers the origins of Symphony, as part of Radio 3's month long celebration.
We all know what is now called a Symphony, but the term has had many varied uses. Lucie Skeaping tracks down the origins of the Symphonie and encounters medieval Hurdy-Gurdys, Spinets and Virginals, a tale that the Dulcimer is as old as the bible and a royal wedding, not to mention a whole host of overtures, interludes, sonatas, canzonas and concertos

[MickyD]

Thanks for this doversoul, these look like two fascinating programmes. If anyone else is interested in lesser known 18th century symphonies, the German label CPO has an impressive catalogue to discover.

[doversoul1]

Originally posted by Angle on ‘BBC4 Symphony with SRB’ thread.

It was pretty enough to watch but it turned out to be rather better if you simply listened. As an introduction to symphonic form, it wasn't half as good as the Early Music Show today (Saturday).

I hope you don’t mind my quoting your post here.

[salymap]

I am really enjoying this programme doversoul, although I'm not always one for early music. A friend recently sent me a CD of Dutch composers, Fodor and Meder, and their symphonies are really enjoyable. I must listen to more of these programmes, a refreshing change.

[vinteuil]

Much enjoyed this.

I find I have almost no Stamitz on my shelves. Does anyone here have recommendations?

[Norfolk Born]

I've only recently started listening to the Early Music Show - and am starting to realized what I've been missing. CB is an excellent presenter. Today's edition was most enjoyable.

[antongould]

I greatly enjoyed it too - especially the Holzbauer Has anyone and any recommendations?

[amcluesent]

I find I have almost no Stamitz on my shelves. Does anyone here have recommendations?

"Mannheim: The Golden Age" played by Concerto Köln has works by both Johann and Carl Stamitz.
"Early String Symphonies" of J Stamitz, FX Richter played by the New Dutch Academy

especially the Holzbauer Has anyone and any recommendations?

"Five Symphonies" by I Holzbauer played by L'Orfeo Barockorchester, Michi Gaigg

[antongould]

Many thanks - on the Christmas list!

[MickyD]

One of the very first period instrument recordings of Stamitz symphonies and a clarinet concerto was by The Academy of Ancient Music back in the 70s...must have been one of their first discs. I was pleased that Decca saw fit to re-release it recently as part of their celebration of the Florilegium label.

[vinteuil]

One of the very first period instrument recordings of Stamitz symphonies and a clarinet concerto was by The Academy of Ancient Music back in the 70s...must have been one of their first discs. I was pleased that Decca saw fit to re-release it recently as part of their celebration of the Florilegium label.

MickyD - many thanks for the tip! (I somehow felt I could depend on you... ) - I'll sniff out a copy next week...

[MickyD]

Yes, it's worth having, Vinteuil. But bearing in mind the importance of Stamitz in musical history, it really is surprising we don't have more of him in the catalogue. I can't understand why crack bands like Concerto Koln have never made a disc of his symphonies. Or have they?

[doversoul1]

Yes, it's worth having, Vinteuil. But bearing in mind the importance of Stamitz in musical history, it really is surprising we don't have more of him in the catalogue. I can't understand why crack bands like Concerto Koln have never made a disc of his symphonies. Or have they?

OP by amcluesent #10

Mannheim: The Golden Age" played by Concerto Köln has works by both Johann and Carl Stamitz

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mannheim-Golden-Age-Carl-Stamitz/dp/B000031WWG

[ed] there might be some interesting information here. (CoW)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qp1c3