Probably the first concert

The clarinet concerto in B flat major by Johann Stamitz (1717-1757), who is considered the founder of the famous Mannheim School, is the oldest known concerto for the B flat clarinet in use today. When the work was composed in 1754/55, the clarinet had only been invented a good fifty years earlier and the instruments available had a maximum of 4 to 5 keys. In the sources, the author of the clarinet concerto is named as "Sign. Stamitz", which leaves several possibilities open. However, a stylistic analysis has recently confirmed that Johann Stamitz is the composer of the work and not one of his sons Anton or Carl.

The new edition of the solo part with piano reduction published by Nicolai Pfeffer with Henle is based on the only surviving source, an incomplete copy of the parts from the Fürst-Thurn-und-Taxis-Hofbibliothek in Regensburg, dating from the 1770s. A detailed preface offers brief introductions to the composer and work and provides information on the reception and performance history of the clarinet concerto. The editorial decisions and adaptations made by the editor are explained and justified in detail in the notes at the end of the edition.

Nicolai Pfeffer has composed cadenzas for the 1st and 2nd movements, which he describes as suggestions and a starting point with the recommendation to develop your own cadenzas and ornaments. The cadenzas are practically inserted in the clarinet part as a fold-out page. The piano reduction was newly prepared by Michail Lifits on the basis of the string parts.

The very cleanly prepared edition of this important clarinet concerto in high-quality and pleasant Henle sheet music is a recommendation for all clarinettists.

Johann Stamitz: Clarinet Concerto in B flat major, edited by Nicolai Pfeffer, piano reduction by Michail Lifits, HN 1454, € 16.00, G. Henle, Munich