John Baptist CRAMER 1771 — 1858

John Baptist Cramer was born in Mannheim, but spent his working life in Englnd. Starting as a pianist and composer he became heavily involved in teaching. In middle age he started a Music Publishing busines, and also moved into making and selling pianos. I have been unale to find a portrait of him, and so have substituted a picture of a piano manufactured by his firm.

He wrote a considerable quantity of piano music. Most of it is largely unknown today, but his four volumes of Studies are still remembered, and the two included here are typical in their combination of musical quality with technical interest.

Beethoven was an admirer of the collection, and published a selection with his own ediorial comments. For example he wrote about no 41 "The aim is the management of the second voice in the four-part writing, with due attention to the longs and shorts. This study is one of the most difficult and most important. Strict binding throughout."

Comments are welcome. Please write to williamww@aol.com    Last modified: 01 July 2008.