Mannheim School

A group of composers associated with the Electoral court at Mannheim in the mid-18th century. Under the leadership of Johann Stamitz the court orchestra became the most famous of the time, establishing a completely new style of playing, and placing particular emphasis on dynamic contrasts, crescendo, and diminuendo. The Mannheim composers, (in addition to Stamitz) Franz Richter, Ignaz Holzbauer, Franz Beck and (Johann) Christian Cannabich, made notable contributions to the early development of the symphony, and also influenced later composers such as Mozart and Beethoven.