The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier
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4.2 • 48 Ratings
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A warm and intuitive portrait of the secret Paris—one closed to all but a knowing few—The Piano Shop on the Left Bank is the perfect book for music lovers, or for anyone who longs to recapture a lost passion.
Thad Carhart never realized there was a gap in his life until he happened upon Desforges Pianos, a demure little shopfront in his Pairs neighborhood that seemed to want to hide rather than advertise its wares. Like Alice in Wonderland, he found his attempts to gain entry rebuffed at every turn. An accidental introduction finally opened the door to the quartier’s oddest hangout, where locals—from university professors to pipefitters—gather on Friday evenings to discuss music, love, and life over a glass of wine.
Luc, the atelier’s master, proves an excellent guide to the history of this most gloriously impractical of instruments. A bewildering variety passes through his restorer’s hands: delicate ancient pianofortes, one perhaps the onetime possession of Beethoven. Great hulking beasts of thunderous voice. And the modest piano “with the heart of a lion” that was to become Thad’s own.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this engaging memoir, an American writer living in Paris recounts his experiences in a piano shop tucked into an out-of-the way street on the rive gauche. Because the elderly proprietor refuses to admit strangers to the atelier where he repairs, rebuilds and sells used pianos to select customers, Carhart does not at first get in. But with an introduction from another client and the help of the owner's younger assistant and heir apparent, Luc, Carhart is finally welcomed into a magical space crowded with pianos of all makes and vintages. Soon he becomes one of the favored insiders who stop by nearly every day to gossip and talk about pianos with Luc. Luc's love of pianos is so infectious that Carhart's own childhood passion for the instrument is rekindled. He starts to take lessons again and buys a piano for his small apartment, a purchase that takes some time, for Luc, who regards a piano as a member of a family, prides himself on finding instruments compatible with his customers. Caught up in Luc's zeal, Carhart immerses himself in the history and mechanics of the piano, and he includes chapters on the craft of piano making, the instrument's development over the centuries and the fine points of tuning. In his renewed fascination, he reflects on piano teachers, those of his childhood as well as several renowned teachers of today. Carhart conveys his affection for Luc, the atelier and the piano with such enthusiasm that readers might be inspired to return to their own childhood instrument. At the very least, they will enjoy this warmhearted, intelligent insight into a private Paris.
Customer Reviews
Relaxing and lovely
Really a fantastic book to unwind with, this read will relax you while subtly informing you about different pianos, choosing a used piano, and falling in love with one. Wrapped in a lovely story of Paris, friendship, and French culture, I highly recommend this to piano enthusiasts, those interested in French culture, or just looking for a relaxing read.
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank
I love music, all music. I especially loved this book! I found Carhart’s deep pursuit into pianos intriguing. The key, for me, was that music is his avocation. He not a professional.
That fact that it takes place in Paris only added to my pleasure.
I couldn’t put it down!
Memories
As a child who loved opening the top of our family spinet, I was fascinated by the action of the hammers on the strings. I loved reading about the actual intricacies involved in making a piano "sing". Wonderfully written.