Did you ever hear the tale of the forgotten piano makers of Marseille? On Rue Boisselot, the echoes of their craft still linger. This street bears the name of Jean-Louis Boisselot, a figure almost lost to time. He established a piano manufactory here in Marseille in 1831. Rue Boisselot became the heart of a burgeoning piano empire. Boisselot pianos quickly gained renown, rivalling giants like Pleyel and Erard. They became synonymous with quality, sought after by musicians across the Mediterranean and beyond. Imagine the melodies of Franz Liszt drifting from a Boisselot piano. Liszt favored these instruments, even gifting one to Queen Maria II of Portugal. It was the first grand piano in the country. The Boisselot factory on Rue Boisselot was a hive of activity, with English and German artisans crafting these magnificent instruments. Their pianos showcased French craftsmanship. They were prized for their rich, resonant tones. However, the Boisselot dynasty faded, disappearing just before World War I. Today, on Rue Boisselot, only the name remains, a subtle reminder of a forgotten musical legacy. Few Boisselot pianos survive, testaments to a time when Marseille resonated with the harmonies of a local master.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to