Johann STAMITZ (1717-1757)
Flute Concertos: D major [17:04]; C major [21:23]; D major [16:47];
G major [13:59]
Robert Aitken (flute)
St Christopher Chamber Orchestra/Donatas Katkus
rec. 22-24 June 2006, St Catherine’s Concet Hall, Vilnius, Lithuania.
DDD
NAXOS 8.570150 [69:15]
Johann Stamitz was a respected violinist, as well as being a composer and
conductor. He is probably best known for his association with the famous orchestra
in Mannheim, where he was employed from 1741 and developed a career that began
as a violinist and worked through various positions, including as the first
director of instrumental music, finally to become Kapellmeister. As a composer,
he is associated with the development of the symphony and of orchestral technique
which was an integral part of the Mannheim legacy. His sons, Carl and Anton
both became well known composers.
This disc contains four of his fourteen flute concertos, composed for the
players of the Mannheim Orchestra, most notably Johann Baptist Wendling, who
later became associated with Mozart. The concertos are excellent examples
of late baroque style, and the transition to the classical era. The orchestral
writing demonstrates the resources available in Mannheim at the time. The
flute parts are technically demanding and full of agile semiquaver runs, all
of which are flawlessly executed. This virtuosity can also be heard in the
orchestral parts, as the opening of the C major concerto demonstrates, with
light triplet figures and trills infusing the extended introduction.
Each of the concertos has a distinct character, with bright fast movements
and expressive central adagios. Sequences and repeated phrases are featured
throughout, and well placed ornamentation adds to the florid nature of the
melodic lines. There are some wonderful examples of this in the last movement
of the C major concerto. Stamitz’s orchestration creates a rich string
sound, with a relatively heavy bass line and additional colour and melodic
interest provided by horns.
The first movement of the second D major concerto on the disc has distinct
parallels with the D major flute concerto which is attributed to Haydn, including
the opening melodic motif. There is an elegance of style within the rhythmic
writing which gives a sense of poise to the music, especially in the three
beats in a bar finale.
The playing in this recording is generally good. Robert Aitken is an able
soloist who displays good technical control throughout. There is some enjoyable
phrasing in the slow movements, and his tone quality is pure, sweet and uncomplicated,
always serving the music and never sounding forced or over indulged. The fast
movements possess a good sense of energy and exuberant display of technique.
The orchestra has a rich and well balanced sound, and there is good ensemble
playing discipline. The recording has a pleasant amount of reverb, which brings
warmth to the overall sound.
Carla Rees
Enjoyable phrasing and a pure, sweet, uncomplicated tone quality balanced
with a good sense of energy and exuberant display.
see also review by John-Pierre Joyce