CONCERT GRAND IGNACE PLEYEL, PARIS, 1843

Although Erard was the biggest piano manufacturer in Paris, it were the instruments of Ignace Pleyel that had the preference of Frédéric Chopin. 

To compete with the concert grands from Erard, Ignace Pleyel built two concert grands with seven octaves in December 1842. The oldest remaining instrument is the piano with number 9872, dated from 1843. This instrument is classified as 'Monument Historique' in France. 

In 2007 Chris Maene  was able to buy an identical instrument, but finished as an Art Case, for the Chris Maene Collection. The purchased instrument has the number 9861, also dating from 1843. 

 

Technical data:

• Inscription: Ignace PLEYEL & Compie
• Compass: 7 octaves (AAA-a'''')
• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony
• Pedals: 2: controlling keyboard shift, damping
• Dimensions: L 250 cm / W 136 cm
• Case: rosewood Art-Case
• Serial number: 9861
• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 43 230
• Condition: restored to concert level, Chris Maene workshop, Ruiselede 2020
• Location: 3 - Museum headquarters "Piano's Maene" Ruiselede