Muzio Clementi

• Genre: Classical Period

About

Clementi's early keyboard and organ skills landed him a free, first class education early in life and led to a long musical career. His skill led him to performances for Queen Marie Antoinette and Austria's Emperor Joseph II. Mozart performed with Clementi at this time and, while impressed by Clementi's technique, had little opinion of Clementi's musicianship, calling him a charlatan and a machine. The insults, however, did little damage to Clementi's career. He later made a name for himself in England composing and performing. He was also involved with piano manufacturing and music publication rights issues.

- Chris Rolls