English firm of music publishers, concert agents and piano manufacturers. It was started in 1810 by J.B. Cramer, Francis Latour and Samuel Chappell (c 1782-1834). Chappell's son William (1809-88), a musical antiquarian, directed the firm only briefly (1834-44); under his brothers Thomas (1819-1902) and Samuel Arthur (1834-1904) its activities expanded greatly in the fields of popular music and light opera. In the early 20th century it led in the campaign against musical piracy, ran the Queen's Hall Promenade Concerts (1915-26) and published musical comedies by British and American composers, meanwhile continuing its vast trade in educational and band music.




