As the teacher of Johann Esterhazy, the future patron of Haydn, one wonders whether Stadler's influence may have had any effect on Haydn: at best, only speculation can occur. Stadler, and his brother Johann, played the clarinet and the bassett horn. Anton's penchant was for the lower registered instrument which he helped to bring to its own realization musically. Anton and Johann were in service to the Russian Ambassador in Austria in 1779 before they were afforded a position at the court. Stadler's first position in the court was as a freelance member of the wind band in 1782. By 1787 he was a member of the court orchestra playing second clarinet to Johann because he wanted to play the bassett register of the clarinet. They were both commissioned. During these years, Anton had formulated a relationship with Mozart who composed the Quintet k581 and Concerto k622 for Stadler. In 1784 Mozart and Stadler gave the premiere performance of Quintet k581 and Anton played the solo in the Clarinet Quintet in its first performance. They played together in Prague where Stadler received an ovation for the texture of his playing. He decided to go on tour and asked for leave from the court. He returned in 1796. Compositions by Stadler included variations, dances, duets and trios. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi