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Cramer, Johann Baptist : Notturno Op.67

Work Overview

Music ID : 90738
Publication Year:1825
First Publisher:Birchall & Co.
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble 
Genre:nocturne
Total Playing Time:22 min 00 sec
Copyright:Public Domain

Commentary (1)

Author : Nishihara, Masaki

Last Updated: August 29, 2024
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Cramer, known for his "60 Studies by Cramer-Bülow," was a pupil of Clementi and one of the leading composer-pianists of his time. He was active in England throughout his life and was widely admired, earning the moniker "Glorious John" due to his gentlemanly character and elegant playing. It is said that he was also highly regarded by Queen Victoria.

Cramer also favored two-piano compositions and performed duos with his teacher Clementi, and friends such as Dussek and Moscheles. This work is one of Cramer's official piano duo compositions, explicitly designated in the published score for harp and piano, or for two pianos. The addition of two horns as optional parts was also possible (not an unusual combination at the time, with examples of identical instrumentation such as Dussek's Duo Op. 38). When performed on two pianos, the harp part serves as the first piano. It is also interesting as a "Nocturne" written before the advent of Chopin and concurrently with John Field. It possesses a scale that can effectively be described as a grand three-movement sonata with an introduction.

  • Introduction: Largo, 3/4 time, E-flat major.
  • First Movement: Allegretto Moderato, 4/4 time, E-flat major.
  • Second Movement: Andante quasi Allegretto, 2/4 time, B-flat major.
  • Third Movement (Rondo): Allegretto Moderato, 2/4 time, E-flat major.

The work consistently features beautiful and brilliant developments, truly embodying the refined socialite "Glorious John," a stark contrast to the image of an etude composer. It is dedicated to the Misses C. & G. Codrington. The title page of the score states: "Performed by the Composer and Madame Krumpholtz at the Hanover Square Rooms." This venue was one of London's most prestigious concert halls in the 19th century. It was equipped with modern tea rooms and foyers, had a capacity of 900, and was said to have excellent acoustics. The co-performer, Madame Krumpholtz (Anne-Marie Krumpholtz), was a harpist and the former wife of the French composer Jean-Baptiste Krumpholtz. She left her husband and fled France during the period of the French Revolution, subsequently enjoying a long and active career in London.

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