Topic F: Development of the orchestra

Question 1

Stamitz op 3 no 2

Answer 1

• Stamitz used a wide variety of sizes of ensemble ranging from this more lavish grouping to strings and continuo alone (as in his E minor symphony). In the second movement there are some good examples of Stamitz’s pioneering orchestration, in which he gives independent lines to the woodwind. The tune is first played on the strings but then the oboes take over with the strings reduced to an accompanying role.