Johann Baptist Cramer: 10 Piano Sonatas

Johann Baptiste Cramer (1771-1858) was a distinguished pianist and composer of the Classical and early Romantic eras. Born in Mannheim, Germany, and later settling in London, Cramer was a central figure in the European music scene during his time. His reputation as a virtuoso pianist was matched by his contributions as a teacher and composer, particularly in the development of piano technique and pedagogy. Cramer’s piano sonatas, though less frequently performed today, are noteworthy for their elegance and craftsmanship. They exhibit the stylistic characteristics of the Classical period, with clear forms, balanced phrases, and an emphasis on expressive melody. However, his works also anticipate the more emotional and technically challenging aspects of the Romantic era. His sonatas often explore a wide range of dynamics and intricate finger work, requiring a high level of technical proficiency from the performer. Cramer’s sonatas are structured traditionally, usually in three or four movements, and they reflect the influence of his contemporaries, such as Mozart and Beethoven. However, his own voice is evident in the lyrical beauty of his slow movements and the lively, often playful nature of his finales. His works were highly regarded by later composers, including Beethoven, who considered Cramer’s piano technique exemplary. Played on the fortepiano by Simone Pierini. Born in Rome in 1996, Pierini began studying music at the age of eight. Aged eighteen, he graduated in piano at S. Cecilia Conservatory of Music, Rome, with highest honors. He afterwards grew interest in historically informed piano practice, attending masterclasses led by Alexei Lubimov, Andreas Staier, Tobias Koch, Stefano Fiuzzi. Subsequently, his interest about historical keyboards in general grew further, and he began studying harpsichord and basso continuo with such teachers as Andrea Coen and Giovanni Togni. His recordings with music by Cherubini (BC96246) and the complete piano sonatas by Hélène de Montgeroult (BC96247) were very positively received by the press. Classic FM nominated him as one of the 30 best musicians under 30 in 2024.

Disc 1
1: I. Allegro Con Spirito
2: II. Rondo: Allegro Moderato Con Espressione
3: I. Moderato Con Espressione
4: II. Choral. Grave E Sostenuto
5: III. Rondo: Moderato Assai
6: I. Allegro Spiritoso
7: II. Andantino Con Moto
8: III. Rondo Quasi Presto
9: I. Moderato Con Espressione
10: II. Allegretto Non Troppo
11: III. Rondo an Carillon

Disc 2
1: Largo Assai (Attacca)
2: Allegro Quasi Presto
3: Aria Con Variazioni. (Thema. Moderato)
4: Variation 1
5: Variation 2
6: Variation 3
7: Variation 4
8: Variation 5
9: Variation 6
10: Variation 7
11: I. Allegro Non Molto
12: II. Adagio (Attacca)
13: III. Rondo: Allegretto
14: I. Largo Assai
15: II. Allegro Agitato
16: III. Allegretto
17: I. Allegro Moderato
18: II. Adagio Con Espressione
19: III. Allegro Quasi Presto

Disc 3
1: I. Grave (Attacca)
2: II. Moderato. Energico Ed Espressivo Assai
3: III. Andantino Quasi Allegretto
4: IV. Rondo: Più Tosto Moderato
5: I. Allegro Brillante
6: II. Andantino
7: III. Rondo Alla Polacca. Allegro Non Tanto

Composer: Johann Baptist Cramer

Number of Discs: 3

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