Muzio Clementi (1752—1832) was a famed composer, pianist, pedagogue, conductor, music publisher, editor, and piano manufacturer. Although born in Italy, he spent most of his life in England. In his time, he was known as the father of the pianoforte," "father of modern piano technique", and "father of Romantic pianistic virtuosity." This collection progressive preludes and scale exercises in all major and minor keys."