Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) - Stich von Thomas Hardy nach einem eigenen Gemälde, London, 1794

Pianist and composer Muzio Clementi from Italy moved to England as a young man where he remained until the end of his life - apart from a few concert journeys to the continent. In London Clementi worked as bandmaster at the Italian opera, held performances as a solo pianist and gave lessons. (His students include Johann Baptist Cramer, John Field, Ignaz Moscheles and Friedrich Kalkbrenner.) As pianist and teacher, Clementi developed a novel, highly effective and excellent piano style. In 1807 he went on a concert journey and visited Vienna where he made the acquaintance of Ludwig van Beethoven. Although Beethoven admired Clementi"s piano pieces, he initially had a suspicious opinion of the internationally renowned pianist. However, he soon changed his mind and both men became friends. As Clementi also worked as a music publisher in London, he decided to publish some works written by Beethoven and also ordered new compositions from the composer. (S.B.)