Ever wondered what it would have been like to be part of the thriving musical scene in Paris during the 1830s and 1840s? If you're interested in piano history, 19th-century Parisian culture, or the world that produced Chopin and Liszt, Paul Castel-Andrew's Paris Pianopolis will appeal.
Paris Pianopolis explores how the city became the hub for piano manufacturing, virtuoso performance, musical innovation, and Romantic-era artistic life. Covering the period between 1830-1848, the book is about to be released online in instalments, with a printed edition planned after its completion.
Paul Castel-Andrew talks about his passion for the project and his own love of playing the piano:
Famous names and forgotten masters
The book explores how Paris became the centre of the Romantic piano boom. Rather than focusing only on famous composers, it examines the interconnected world of virtuoso pianists, piano manufacturers, music publishers, concert culture, Parisian salons and society.
The story begins with the rise of the piano after the decline of the harpsichord and follows innovations by the top manufacturers of the day – Sébastien Érard and Pleyel.
The two makers explained:
In terms of composer-pianists, the narrative follows both celebrated figures and now-forgotten stars who once dominated the musical scene. Some of the key personalities include Franz Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, Friedrich Kalkbrenner, Henri Herz and Sigismond Thalberg. Topics covered include the emergence of virtuoso performers in the 1820s and 1830s, the rivalry between leading pianists (especially the famous competition for public attention between Liszt and Thalberg), the development of the solo piano recital, and the gradual decline of the virtuoso age after Chopin's death and Liszt's departure from Paris.
Battle of the virtuosos:
Castel-Andrew also explains how and why composers Kalkbrenner and Herz were enormous celebrities in their day, even though history largely remembers only Liszt and Chopin.
A walk around the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, where Chopin – as well as many other famous artists and piano makers – are buried:
Why Paris Pianopolis is unique
This highly readable biography is written for everyman. It is unconventional in its approach and often light-hearted fun.The result is an approachable portrait of Romantic-era Paris as a place where pianists were treated like modern-day pop stars and where technological advances in piano construction helped transform musical composition and performance.
Visit the Paris Pianopolis website for a sneak preview of the book.