The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier

by Thad Carhart

Book Overview

Walking his two young children to school every morning, Thad Carhart passes an unassuming little storefront in his Paris neighborhood. Intrigued by its simple sign--Desforges Pianos--he enters, only... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375503048
• ISBN13: 9780375503047
• Release Date: April 2001
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Lovely story of neighborhood and piano hiatory

All wrapped kindly in a small story of falling in love again, with music and the world around you. Teaching about the recent ness of the piano, how it works and the amazing role it plays and in musical history. All in the context of a small world who loves what you love. A delight

finely written, a delight for every francophile

Everyone interested in France will enjoy this bit of intellectual entertainment, though piano experts and tuners will tear their hair over the small innacuracies and over-romanticization of the trade. Nonetheless, the author has captured a unique (and dying) way of life, in an endearing depiction of Paris' ateliers and artisans. Bravo!

For lovers of music, piano, travel and life

This is a wonderful book for anyone who loves music, and in particular, piano, as well as traveling, even if not particularly in France. The author gives a genuine and sincere account of his feelings about his life in Paris, as well as the realities of living in a foreign country, of foreign ways of doing business, forming relationships, and of course, his love of music and the piano.These loves of music and the piano are so evident, so full of life. Some people might be bored or distracted by Carhart's details regarding pianos, however, as a music lover, but one who do not even play piano, I loved reading about the details involved with the instrument.As a lover of travel, and a person who has spent considerable amounts of time in a number of foreign countries (although France is not one of them), partially so that I could learn others' ways of living, I also thoroughly enjoyed reading about real-life details of living in another country.I also enjoyed that unlike "A Year in Provence," "Under the Tuscan Sky," "A Cottage in Portugal" and many other books such as these, Carhart does not spend the entire book writing of the difficulties of getting anything done in these countries (even though it's true!). It was nice to read about other aspects of living abroad.I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves music, piano and other culture's and their idiosyncracies.

Paris, pianos, friendships, & the creative spirit

This is a wonderful little book for piano & music lovers. The storyline is simple, based on the rediscovery of the author's own love of pianos & piano playing, and is set against the backdrop of life in the heart of Paris. There is plenty of sensitive commentary on music and Parisian society, and of course lots of documentary-style descriptions of pianos, their history, various brands, and so on. But, as a piano lover myself, I must warn that some of the information rendered in the book is subject to counter arguments. For example: although 100 year old pianos are often beautiful pieces, I am convinced that modern instruments are vastly better, at least from a musicians point of view. So, read the book for enjoyment (and it is enjoyable!) but be careful not to use it as your guide to chosing an instrument....!!

"A Fascinating & Informative Book"

I can't even begin to express in words what a joy it was to read this book. Thad Carhart has written a book that should appeal to a broad spectrum of readers that includes musicians, piano lovers, novices and professionals alike. Yes, even those who think a piano is just a piece of furniture will learn a lot, and probably be shamed into getting back to practicing once again. If you already own a piano, wish to own one, or just want to know more about pianos & their history this book is an excellent source of information. Did you know that "Fazioli" concert grand pianos costs well over one hundred thousand dollars, and that only sixty are made each year, and there are fewer than one thousand "Fazioli" pianos in existence, and each are essentially handmade? This book is chuck full of information that is so interesting, especially about the 16th and 17th century pianos. There is also a lot of technical information about how piano's work, that explains everything about the instrument, strings, sounding board, etc.Wait, I can't stop yet. Not only is this book full of history and excellent information about pianos, there is a story, too. Thad passes a little piano storefront in his Paris neighborhood each day while taking his two children to their school. One day he decides to enter the shop to check it out, meets the grumpy owner & is rebuffed, but eventually gets the right introduction, (you have to be referred by an established customer) and the shop then becomes a daily part of his life. Here he learns from Luc, the atelier's master, the history and art of piano's. Luc becomes a valuable friend. He helps Thad find a piano for himself that he loves, a Stingl baby grand from Vienna. In Thad's almost daily visits to the store's atelier he meets many interesting and charming people. They all share their love of piano's, music, and life over a glass of wine. It made me wish I was part of their group. The piano has always been my favorite instrument, and it has always fascinated me with it's beautiful sound. Yes, I am one of those people who have become lax, and not devoted enough time to keeping up with my piano playing. This book is certainly an inspiration to anyone who appreciates the piano. A wonderful & fascinating story, and detailed history of the piano. Highly Recommended.

A charming look into a usually hidden world

The Piano Shop on the Left Bank is a beautifully-written book that will appeal to three different, although probably overlapping, audiences. The first audience is comprised of people who love playing the piano as adults. I recently resumed lessons after an interlude of half a lifetime, and Mr. Carhart's book expressed many of the feelings through which I have progressed in returning to pianos and to piano lessons, albeit far more elegantly than I could ever express them. The second audience is comprised of people who love pianos. I also fall into this group; I love pianos for themselves. They are unsurpassed musical instruments, and this book gives you a glimpse at their history as objects as well as their existence as music-makers. The third audience for this book is comprised of those who love to get behind the scenes in Europe, viewing a lifestyle that is hard to find (although it can be found) here in the United States. Luc, the primary craftsperson in the book, is immensely appealing both for his craft (and art) and for his perspectives on the world. He runs his piano shop as he feels it should be run, and because his customers appreciate his worth, he can do so successfully. Mr. Carhart manages to become part of the shop's world, and vividly takes the reader with him.In short, this is an immensely appealing book that makes the reader eager to rush out and find a Luc for themselves.