JOHANN BAPTIST

CRAMER (1771—1858)  , English musician, of German extraction, was born in Mannheim, on the 24th of February 1771 . He was the son of Wilhelm Cramer (1743-1799), a famous London violinist and musical conductor, one of a numerous family who were identified with the progress of music during the 18th and 19th centuries . Johann Baptist was brought to London as a child, and it was in London that the greater part of his musical efforts was exercised . From 1782 to 1784 he studied the pianoforte under Muzio Clementi, and soon became known as a professional pianist both in London and on the continent; he enjoyed a world-wide reputation, and was particularly appreciated by Beethoven . He died in London on the 16th of April 1858 . Apart from his pianoforte-playing Cramer is important as a composer, and as principal founder in 1824 of the London music-publishing house of Cramer & Co . He wrote a number of sonatas, &c., for pianoforte, and other compositions; but his Etudes is the work by which he lives as a composer . These " studies " have appeared in numerous editions, from 1810 onwards, and became the staple pieces in the training of pianists .