Cramer, Johann Baptist.

the full score, notated for piano, two horns in E-flat, flute, oboes ("Hautboy's"), two bassoons, and strings, in dark brown ink on ten staves per page, apparently complete, and with an additional cadenza for the same forces and on similar paper, apparently intended for another work



49 pages in all, oblong 4to (24 x 30cms), 10-stave paper, written on successive bifolia, an initial paste-down apparently removed, English provenance, [c.1828]

Thomas B. Milligan, Johann Baptist Cramer (1771-1858): a thematic catalogue of his works (New York, 1994), p.130 (8.14.)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This is a remarkable movement, a rare surviving autograph of a complete movement by this German-born composer and pianist, living and working in London.  Cramer was a brilliant pianist and composer and a leading light of the London school. He was a pupil of Carl Friedrich Abel and the author of many piano compositions. The autograph is not recorded in the 1994 thematic catalogue of Cramer's works by Thomas B. Milligan. 

This Rondo provides the sparkling conclusion of the Fantasia, published in 1828 by J.B. Cramer, Addison & Beale, described on the title as: '"Reminiscences of England", A Grand Fantasia for the pianoforte, with orchestral accompaniments (ad libitum). The manuscript also contains the cadenza and conclusion to another keyboard movement (4/4 time, B flat), one whose thematic material refers to "Rule, Britannia!" and which uses the same forces and similar florid passage work to the Rondo