French square pianoforte by Sébastien Erard and his brother Jean-Baptiste, Paris, France, anno 1789. Made by one of history's most important piano makers. The instrument is built after the manner of the early chlavichord, from which the pianoforte's rectangular or "square" form derives. The instrument's case is made of mahogany with large hollywood and fine rosewood stringing. French frame with round, tapered and fluted legs with brass rings. Pure Louis XVI-style decoration with brass mouldings. Moudled top of case. The nameboard is made of satinwood veneer with boxwood ebony stringing. Nameboard inscription: Erard frères et C°, Rue du Mail N°. 37 à Paris 1789.
Compass: FF to F3, 61 notes
Stringing: bichord troughout; lowest choirs overspun
Action: very special Erard action "à doubles pilotes" (see drawing by R. HARDING, the pianoforte, P. 76). Erard was the inventor of the best piano mechanics. Oldest pianoforte with this type of action.
Musik desk: one on the lid (closed position); one on the nameboard (open position).
Pedals: from left to right, the wooden pedals operate the following registers:
- Harp Stop
- Forte Stop (Dampers)
- Bassoon Stop
- Very rare "Swell" Stop
Action on the former part of the lid - on the soundboard.
Dimensions: L: 64 1/4 in (163,4 cm) - W: 23 1/4 in (59 cm) - H: 33 1/4 in (84,5 cm)
This instrument, wich dates from 1789, i.e. more than 200 years old, is in very good state, complete with original parts and in perfect playing condition. The design and furniture are of regal magnificence and were most certainly designed for an important figure at the Royal Court of France under King Louis XVI. It is to be noted - and this gives the piano rarity value - that the piano was made in 1789 by Sébastien Erard, the most famous french piano maker who worked under the patronage of the Duchess of Villeroy and Louis XVI himself, with the latter having granted Erard a patent which in turn allowed Erard to build pianofortes in the very best workink conditions. But 1789 was to be the beginning of the end for the French Royal Family. While Erard was working in Paris, at 37, rue du Mail, the French Revolution was in full swing and on August 4, 1789, the famous "Declaration des Droits de l'Homme", the celebrated Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was proclaimed not far from the workshop in the "Rue du Mail".
