Composer, violinist, and violist. Son of Johann Stamitz. He studied with his brother Karl and with Christian Cannabich, becoming a violinist with the Mannheim orchestra in 1764. In 1770 he went with his brother Carl to Paris, where they played together at the Concert spirituel in 1772. He played in the Royal Chapel Orchestra in Versailles, 1782-89. Among his compositions are twelve symphonies, two symphonies concertantes, five keyboard and over twenty violin concertos, other solo concertos, over fifty string quartets, and numerous other chamber works.