![]() He later learnt that a new customer must be recommended to the shop by one of its existing customers, his first step in unlocking the “complicated network of local relationships that was extremely difficult for a foreigner to penetrate.”Īdmitted to its inner sanctum, Carhart discovers that the piano atelier is a wonderland of craft and culture, crammed with dismantled pianos of exquisite artistry, celebrated pedigree, and esteemed provenance (had one indeed belonged to Beethoven?) Among its fascinating holdings he eventually comes upon a piano for himself, a Stingl baby grand (if Steinway is the only name you are familiar with, you are in for quite an education). The shop seemed as determined in its reserve as the most punctilious Parisian aristocrat. ![]() Venturing inside on several occasions to express his interest in acquiring a used piano, Carhart was mysteriously rebuffed. The stencil sign says “Desforgers Pianos: outillage, fournitures” and the tools and components of piano repair displayed in its windows – tightening wrenches, tuning pins, pieces of felt, small pieces of hardware – illustrated the work that went on behind the glass. ![]() ![]() Every morning as he walked his children to school through his Paris neighbourhood, American writer Thad Carhart (1950 – ) would pass a modest shopfront that kept him intrigued. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |