Johann Cramer - Petite Etude, Op.55/5

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This piece is from "Dulce et utile, Op.55 ou six petites Etudes pour le Piano forte" and published in 1815. It is the only minor piece in a set of 6 pieces, reflecting the under represented minor tonalities in the classical era (or early romantic). Most people associate Cramer probably with technical exercises or even "boring" music. This piece should show that he was capable to compose very fine and nice sounding music too.

Cramer (1771-1858) was an English pianist, composer and music publisher of German origin. He was the son of Wilhelm Cramer, a famous London violinist and conductor, one of a numerous family who were identified with the progress of music during the 18th and 19th centuries.

From 1782 to 1784, he studied piano under Muzio Clementi and soon became a renowned professional pianist both in London and on the continent. He enjoyed a worldwide reputation, and was particularly appreciated by Beethoven when he visited Vienna, concertized and competed with him. Both were considered the greatest pianists of their time, Beethoven excelling in interpretative expressiveness, Cramer in pure technical perfection. He was the English publisher of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 and is credited with giving it its nickname, "The Emperor".

Cramer was one of the most renowned piano performers of his day. He met Beethoven in Vienna, initiating a mutually rewarding relationship, while renewing his friendship with Haydn.

After 1800, he was based almost exclusively in England. Following the successful example of his former teacher Clementi, he also became a successful music publisher in London. His many compositions take second place to his pianistic prowess; Beethoven considered him the finest pianist of the day from the standpoint of pure technical perfection.

He wrote some 200 solo piano sonatas, about 50 sonatas for other instruments with piano accompaniment, nine piano concertos, and chamber music.

[paulmetdebbie]

Wow totally missed this gem of yours until RachmanJohn pointed me to it. Beautiful piece of Cramer, and you perform it masterfully. You captured the essence of its mood brilliantly, very subtle playing here. ❤️👏🙏

[pietrolandri]

I know virtually everything accessible about Cramer (CD, vinyl, uploads) but this is new to me. İt's actually a different face of Cramer, more intimate, likewise a song without word. The "legacy" of Clementi is quite clear but with a more modern touch and a breeze of mystery that is unknown in the crystalline classic gesture of Clementi and very rare in Cramer too (he normally associates romantic mood with heroic dynamics or more masculine sentimental moments).
Would you consider upload all op 55?

[martynam]

You played this in such a beautiful way!

[eugenio]

How do you find these great compositions? Are you playing them? 😮

[MarkxUK]

What an interesting piece. I like the counterpoint, integrated with classical style. It reminds me of later Clementi.

[Ricardo]

Youtube put this on my rock mix playlist

[katt_matt]

Your musicality, your chanel, .pieces you publish... everything grows