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Search - The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier
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The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover
Book Description:
Thad Carhart never realized there was a gap in his life until he happened upon Desforges Pianos, a demure little shopfront in his Paris 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 quarter'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.
What emerges is 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.
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.
What emerges is 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.
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Top Member Book Reviews
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1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Part memoir, part musical history, Carhart retells how, after years away from both, he came to rediscover the joys of pianos and piano playing in his Paris neighborhood. I tended to skim over some of the historical and technical information about pianos, preferring the memories and anecdotes relating his own musical history. The only shortcoming I would mention about the book is an almost total lack of information about his family and personal life, other than as it related to his fascination with pianos. An interesting book nonetheless.
Lorelie L. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Carhart's life as an American expatriate in Paris provides the setting for this witty and fascinating account of finding a piano to purchase and relearning how to play. His familiarity with French customs aids in his dealings with and subsequent acceptance as a friend by Luc, the proprietor of Desforges Pianos. A piano restoration workshop by day, it turns into an exclusive local hangout Friday nights. Gracefully shifting from the present day to his youth, Carhart, a freelance writer, provides both technical explanations about the workings of the piano and a history of the instrument. This background information helps place his studies and the remarks of various piano teachers, technicians, and aficionados in context. Similar to Noah Adams's fine Piano Lessons (LJ 3/15/96) with a continental flavor, Carhart's book will be of special interest to patrons with an affection for pianos or experience traveling in France.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Intertwined with the story of a musical friendship are reflections on how pianos work, their glorious history and stories of people who care for them.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Paris, pianos and friendship. A very enjoyable read.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Interesting account of a man's rediscovery of his love of pianos and music. Colorful characters and elegant writing.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Makes you feel like you know a little of the real Paris
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