Stamitz, Johann (1717-1757)

The present work exists in two versions both of which were published around the same time.Wolf E flat 6a has a slightly longer first movement (236 bars c.f. 220) based on the same material but has a different slow movement, a shortened Minuet and Trio and a truncated finale (108 bars c.f. 314) also based on the same material as Wolf E flat 6b. Version 'A' was issued as 'Sinfonia VI' in a set of six symphonies by 'Differents Auteurs' Op.1. Version 'B',Wolf E flat 6b, was issued the same year (1759) as the first of a set of six symphonies by 'Differents Auteurs' and this version, possibly representing a revision by the composer, seems to have been considerably more popular. Bremner published it as 'Periodical Overture No.6' (London, 1763), omitting the Minuet & Trio, and the work is also listed in the Quartbuch catalogue (ca 1775). This edition is based on a copy of Huberty's 'Op.5' print preserved in the music collection of the University of Michigan Library at Ann Arbor. The title page reads: SIX / SYMPHONIES /- QUATRE PARTIES OBLIGES / Avec Hautbois o fluttes, et Cors de Chasses, / COMPOSES / DE DIFFERENTS AUTEURS / 1ere Par Mr STAMITZ / 2e par Mr STAMITZ / 3e par Mr STAMITZ / 4e par Mr BECK / 5e par Mr WAGANSAIL / 6e par Mr RICTHER / MISES AU JOUR PAR Mr HUBERTI / OEUVRE Ve ... In the absence of the autograph score or a set of authentic parts this edition presents as faithfully as possible the intentions of the composer as transmitted in the source. The notation of articulation and dynamic markings has been standardised throughout and, when missing from the source, markings have been reconstructed from parallel passages. These are indicated by the use of dotted slurs or brackets where appropriate. Like most eighteenth-century sources, the Huberty print is somewhat inconsistent in its notation of appoggiature; these have also been standardised to minimise confusion. Obvious wrong notes have been silently corrected; otherwise, any editorial emendation with no authority from the source is placed within brackets. Allan Badley