The Erard 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.