ebooks The Piano Shop on the Left Bank: Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier by Thad Carhart in Arts-Photography

Description

Thad Carhart never realized there was a gap in his life until he happened upon Desforges Pianos; a demure little shopfront in his Pairs 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 quartierrsquo;s oddest hangout; where locals mdash; from university professors to pipefitters mdash; gather on Friday evenings to discuss music; love; and life over a glass of wine.Luc; the atelierrsquo;s master; proves an excellent guide to the history of this most gloriously impractical of instruments. A bewildering variety passes through his restorerrsquo;s hands: delicate ancient pianofortes; one perhaps the onetime possession of Beethoven. Great hulking beasts of thunderous voice. And the modest piano ldquo;with the heart of a lionrdquo; that was to become Thadrsquo;s own.What emerges is a warm and intuitive portrait of the secret Paris mdash; 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.