1846 PLEYEL (Chopin-era Piano)

The name Pleyel is associated with the great Frédéric Chopin, as it was his first choice in a piano.  While Chopin played other quality pianos including Erards, he was known to use his Pleyels almost exclusively for composing and teaching.  The piano we currently have for sale is the same year and style Pleyel used by Chopin.  In addition to piano manufacturing, the Pleyel firm ran a concert hall, the Salle Pleyel, in which Chopin performed his first — and also his last — Paris concerts.  During Chopin's final concert tour, he took one grand piano with him to England--his 1846 Pleyel.

Ignace Pleyel was not only a successful piano designer and manufacturer, but notable pianist and composer, and a student of  Haydn. Pleyel composed more than 60 symphonies, a number of string quartets, 8 concertos, 2 operas and various chamber works. 

Although the piano firm Pleyel et Cie was founded by Ignace, his son Camille (1788-1855), became a partner in 1815. Camille was a piano virtuoso and became a friend of Chopin.  During the 19th century, Pleyel and Erard were fierce competitors, both companies claiming to make the finest instruments in Europe.  Erard was an innovator and more progressive than Pleyel, who in contrast believed in holding steadfast to traditional piano building. 

This rare forte piano will be undergoing a careful, museum quality restoration. 

Price furnished upon request, Serious inquiries please.