French Piano from Paris signed "Elke" Diplome d Honneur

20th Century Luché "ELCE" mechanical piano, France. Roller and crank in perfect working condition.  

This Erard parallel-strung grand piano, crafted in Paris in 1845 (serial number: 18725), has been extraordinarily well-tended, restored and maintained, enduring today as not only a spectacular example of the pinnacle of 19th Century piano design - characterized by its innovative construction and exceptional sonoral qualities - but also as a premium instrument by the most advanced modern standards, concert-ready for world-class, discriminating performers and their audiences. Erard was a renowned piano manufacturer established by Sébastien Erard, and for much of the 19th Century, the company produced some of the most exquisite and innovative European pianos of the era. The sound produced by this parallel-strung grand piano is characterized by a clarity and transparency that distinguishes it from its contemporaries. The parallel arrangement of strings contributes to a more direct transfer of sound energy, resulting in a balanced and articulate tone across the instrument's registers. This piano's tone is beloved for its sweetness in the treble range and a robust quality in the bass, while also allowing for an especially nuanced and expressive interpretation of the musical repertoire of its era. The ebony and ivory keyboard is a testament to the meticulous attention Erard paid to the tactile experience of playing. Each key is precision-weighted, providing a responsive touch that allows the pianist to articulate a wide range of dynamics and expressiveness. An interior faux tableau latches to the outer case lid in an open position for maximum concert volume, and rests in a lowered position to maintain a softer, more muted experience. The year 1845 places this Erard instrument in the heart of the Romantic era, a period marked by a surge in musical creativity and emotional expression. Composer/performers like Chopin and Liszt were drawn to Erard grand...

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