A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Cluer, J.

by William H. Husk

CLUER, J., an engraver and publisher of music, who carried on business in Bow Churchyard, London, in the middle of the first half of the 18th century. He issued his publications in connection with 'B. Creake, at y^e Bible, in Jermyn Street, St. James's.' Cluer engraved and published in 1720 Handel's Suites de Pieces pour le clavecin, and between 1723 and 1729 nine of the same composer's Italian operas, viz. 'Giulio Cesare,' 'Tamerlane,' 'Rodelinda,' 'Alessandro,' 'Scipione,' 'Ricciardo Primo,' 'Siroe,' and 'Lotario.' The titles of these operas are contained in a label upon an engraved emblematic design, very fairly executed. Cluer also published 'A Pocket Companion for Gentlemen and Ladies, being a collection of Opera Songs in 8vo. size, never before attempted,' 2 vols. He was mistaken in supposing that music had never before been published in octavo size. Half a century earlier Henry Brome, the bookseller, had adopted it for Banister and Low's 'New Ayres and Dialogues,' 1678, and the contemporary French printers had for some years frequently used it. Among other works engraved and published by Cluer were a periodical called 'The Monthly Apollo, a collection of New Songs and Airs in English and Italian,' and two packs of 'Musical Playing Cards.'

[ W. H. H. ]