Description
Carl Stamitz, an exceedingly productive composer of the Mannheim School, was also one of the first to provide the clarinet with numerous solo works. Of his eleven surviving clarinet concertos, the B-flat major concerto – traditionally referred to as “no. 3” – is by far the best known and most popular (according to more recent numberings, it is now considered “no. 7”). With its enchanting thematic ideas, figurations ideally suited to the clarinet, and at the same time only moderate technical demands, it has established itself throughout the world as a standard work for study. It is ideally suited as a recital piece and as a “first” solo concerto for clarinet students. As an excellent clarinettist, editor Nicolai Pfeffer has added suggestions in the solo part for sonorous, easily playable cadenzas and lead-ins. The well-set and easy-to-play piano reduction by Michail Lifits makes accompanying possible even for non-professional pianists.
