Cramer, Wilhelm

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Cramer, Wilhelm

Cramer, Wilhelm , German violinist and composer, father of Johann Baptist Cramer; b. Mannheim (baptized), June 2, 1746; d. London, Oct. 5, 1799. He received his musical training from his father, Jacob Cramer (1705–70), who was a violinist in the Mannheim Orch., and also studied with Johann Stamitz and Cannabich. From 1752 to 1769 he was a member of the Mannheim Orch. He then went to Paris, and in 1772 to London, where he became a successful violinist and conductor. He was concertmaster of the orch. of the Anacreontic Soc. during its most prestigious years (1773–91). He was also chamber musician to the King. He wrote 11 violin concertos, six string quartets, six violin sonatas, and other string music.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire