The association Les Pianos des Romantiques and the Fondation du patrimoine have joined forces to appeal to public generosity to restore the former glory of a witness from the golden age of piano manufacturing in Marseille.
Having stood for several generations in the middle of a salon in a mansion in Noves, Bouches-du-Rhône, this grand piano, known as the “small model” numbered 1262 and dating from 1841, was destined for abandonment. It was by studying the mottled mahogany veneer – a wood now disappeared – and the mechanics of the instrument that the association decided in 2019 to become its acquirer and undertake its restoration.
Boisselot is the name of a famous Marseille piano manufacturer, now somewhat forgotten. Yet, from 1831 to the end of the 19th century, this factory, competing with Pleyel and Erard, reigned supreme throughout the Mediterranean basin and overseas. These pianos, showcasing French craftsmanship in the provinces, were highly appreciated by artists for their sound quality; even Franz Liszt chose Boisselot pianos for his tours in the south of France, Italy, and the Iberian Peninsula.
The restoration project
This piano, a worthy representative of the industrial and musical heritage of Marseille, is currently unplayable. A victim of a wood-borer attack, rapid treatment is strongly advised to preserve all its technical and artistic qualities.
Rediscovering the musical aesthetics of past centuries
But this restoration is primarily part of a cultural initiative. The association’s goal is to bring back to life musically this illustrious Marseille piano through the concert activities of the ensemble “L’Armée des Romantiques”.
Under the auspices of the Fondation du patrimoine, the association ‘Pianos des Romantiques’ invites you to support this musical renaissance.
