Johann Baptist Cramer (February 24, 1771, Mannheim - April 16, 1858, London), was an English musician of German extraction. 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 piano 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.
Apart from his pianoforte-playing, Cramer is important as a composer. He founded a musical instrument manufacturing and music-publishing business of Cramer & Co., (later known as Cramer, Addison & Beale until 1844, then Cramer, Beale & Co., Cramer, Beale & Chappell (1858-1864), Cramer, Beale & Wood [1]) although Cramer ceased involvement with the business at the end of 1833 [2]. He wrote a number of sonatas, etc., for pianoforte, and other compositions; but his Etudes are the works by which he lives as a composer. These studies have appeared in numerous editions, and became the staple pieces in the training of pianists.
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