Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) - Stich von Johann Joseph Neidl nach einem Gemälde von Thomas Hardy, erschienen bei Artaria, Wien, um 1800

Muzio Clementi, pianist and composer, who was born in Italy, moved to England when he was still very young. Apart from a few extended concert tours to the continent, he remained in England until his death. Clementi was director of music of the Italian opera in London, he performed as a piano solist, and he was a successful teacher. (Among his students were Johann Baptist Cramer, John Field, Ignaz Moscheles and Friedrich Kalkbrenner.) Being a pianist and teacher, Clementi developed a new, very effective and brilliant piano style. In 1807, the piano virtuoso went on a concert tour. He also visited Vienna during this tour and got to know Ludwig van Beethoven. Even though Beethoven really admired the piano works of Clementi, he was at first a bit suspicious towards the internationally famous pianist. But that changed soon and they became friends. Since Clementi also worked as music publisher in London, he decided to publish some of Beethoven"s works, and in addition he also ordered new compositions. (S.B.)