Jan Ladislav Dussek was a Czech composer and pianist known for his innovative keyboard music that foreshadowed the Romantic style. He became one of Europe’s first touring piano stars, performing from London to St Petersburg, gaining fame before Beethoven. Dussek was notable for his stage presence, often turning the piano side-on so audiences could see him, a practice that became standard.

Born in Čáslav into a musical family, he trained as a pianist, organist, and singer. After studying in Bohemia, he travelled across the Netherlands and Germany, and spent time in Russia as a favourite of Catherine the Great. He settled in London from 1789 to 1799, where he was a fashionable performer and teacher, collaborating with piano maker John Broadwood to develop larger instruments. After London, Dussek worked for Prince Louis Ferdinand of Prussia, composing significant works like the F-sharp minor Elégie harmonique. In his final years, he returned to Paris, premiered new instruments, and continued composing until his death in 1812.