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Celebrating those who came before the famous names in Classical music

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An image of Johann Stamitz, founder of the Mannheim School.

Haydn and Mozart owe much to the Mannheim School, which laid the foundation for Classical music.

The Mannheim School, which flourished in the 18th century, was known for two things: pioneering orchestral techniques and a group of composers who went by the same name. The orchestral techniques developed there reportedly had a profound impact on Mozart.

According to Britannica.com, they stood out for their instrumental music, in particular. And that was of great significance for the growth of the mature Classical style.

It was founded by Johann Stamitz, whose sons, Carl and Anton, followed in his musical footsteps. Johann Stamitz, who was a violin virtuoso, became known as a major driver behind the Mannheim School's style of accurate, precise performance.

I grew up in a radio household. My dad was a radio newsman, and he used to take me and my siblings to work at his station in Coral Gables. Hearing his voice on the radio was a comfort to me.