MATTIOLI - The Érard Family. A historical journey on musical instruments and documents

MARCO GIULIANO MATTIOLI - The Érard Family. A historical journey on musical instruments and documents

A new edition of the first study ever published on the Érard's harp production. A family known for the greatest innovations introduced in the making of pianos and harps. The history and the evolution of the pedal harp — along with the progressive improvements undertaken in terms of construction, technology and decoration — are here reconstructed by a thorough research conducted on documents, manuscripts, letters and musical instruments.
The unchallenged affirmation of the Érard name on a worldwide scale — to which credit must also be given to the two women at the head of the company — eventually came to a gradual decline. The rise of many manufacturers between the 19th and 20th centuries led to a competition that was both stimulating and overwhelming, played out entirely on the terrain of mechanical and physical ingenuity and on caustic and shameless communication strategies.
By retracing the parable of the Érard family, this book opens up a new critical reflection on historical instruments and the modern approach to historical performance practice.

Summary

Preface to the first edition by Mara Galassi
Preface to the second edition by Giuliano Marco Mattioli
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Index of illustrations

Introduction
1. The Kingdom of France
2. Beginnings
3. Between aristocracy and cliché
4. London and Paris: the double action
5. 1821. The harp in its present improved state
6. Passing the baton
7. Comparing patents
8. Camille Érard and Marie Schæffer
9. 1855. Timid reactions
10. Aesthetics of renewal
      Style Louis XVI
      Style japonais
      Style Empire
11. The French Front
      Pleyel
12. The American Front
       Lyon & Healy
       Wurlitzer
13. Conclusion

APPARATUS
Érard family tree
Chronology of the historical pedal harp
French Érard harps purchased by prominent figures
English Érard harps purchased by prominent figures
Érard harps purchased by music schools, theatres and religious institutions
Érard style Louis XVI harps
Érard style japonais harps
Érard style Empire ornées de bronzes harps
Morceaux de concours for pedal and chromatic harp at the Paris Conservatoire
Graduates of the annual harp concours of the Paris Conservatoire
Prix Meunié winners

Bibliography
Index