The Piano Shop on the Left Bank

Discovering a Forgotten Passion in a Paris Atelier

By: Thad Carhart

Narrated by: Dan Cashman

Thad Carhart never realized there was a gap in his life until he happened upon Desforges Pianos, a demure little shopfront in his Paris neighborhood that seemed to want to hide rather than advertise its wares. Like Alice in Wonderland, he found his attempts to gain entry rebuffed at every turn. An accidental introduction finally opened the door to the quartier's oddest hangout, where locals - from university professors to pipefitters - gather on Friday evenings to discuss music, love, and life over glasses of wine.

Luc, the atelier's master, proves an excellent guide to the history of this most gloriously impractical of instruments. A bewildering variety passes through his restorer's hands: delicate ancient pianofortes, one perhaps the onetime possession of Beethoven. Great hulking beasts of thunderous voice. And the modest piano "with the heart of a lion" that was to become Thad's own.

What emerges is a warm and intuitive portrait of the secret Paris - one closed to all but a knowing few. The Piano Shop on the Left Bank is the perfect audiobook for music lovers or for anyone who longs to recapture a lost passion.

©2016 Thad Carhart (P)2016 Random House Audio

Great Story

I read this book shortly after it came out and enjoyed it then. But listening to it was so much fun. I had forgotten many of the side stories that went on. What was really enjoyable for me is to hear the wonderful descriptions of all the pianos that came into the shop.

Just a beautiful book!

The subject, writing, flow all wonderful. And also wonderfully read. Thank You for this diversion

a few moments of pure soul

It's hidding a passion longing to come out in between it's lines. I wish it showed more of itself.

Thoroughly enjoyable

Never had I thought I’d care so much about a piano shop, the craft of making pianos, and the details and secrets that builds up a piano. This is truly a carnival and opens up a new world for me.

Beautiful and Technically Perfect

I listened to this while working on pianos - putting new ecsaine on catchers for a 1905 Everett, updating damper blocks and wires for an 1893 Chickering quarter grand, preparing for an 1888 Knabe 6' total restomod. For just an enthusiast, Carhart gets it all perfect. Not just the technical, but the subjective magic that emerges in the rich history of piano making and playing.

If Luc is a real person I relate to him very well. He conveys the strange nature of piano value as I would - more complex than anything else. Anything. A piano is unarguably the king of all musical instruments. The most commanding piece of furniture in any house. And if old, the grandest of antiques. All in one thing! He gets it.

It's hard to believe Thad's only repair experience is replacing a brace. His descriptions are so perfect I could envision everything. I'm reminded of Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - a Honda Superhawk was in my imagination even BEFORE I knew that's what it really was. There are subtleties in the way parts fit together that usually only an expert understands. Carhart nails it. How appropriate that he actually mentions Zen and the Art of Archery.

Be assured that if anyone finds this book boring it says nothing about the book and everything about themselves. The fine balance in elements is maintained throughout - Paris and the people, personal relationships, unspoken attitudes and customs. And of course, pianos in all their underappreciated glory, narrated transparently.

great story marred by awful mispronounced French

couldn't somebody have at least coached the reader? Brazzerie? Sorbon? distracting and unfair to author.

Endearing story

This was a delightful and engaging book with a lovely and not boring history of the piano. The author’s journey as he returned to the piano with a renewed passion as an adult was a very good read.

ENJOY

As a music lover, although I don’t play any instrument, this was a totally enjoyable listen.
The short histories of the different pianos is very interesting.
There are some really humorous parts.
The description of the different areas in Paris is also interesting.
The author and the narrator as a team are outstanding.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a relaxing story.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Great story and good history of pianos

Reminded me of Bill Bryson memoir blended with history of the piano. Would recommend to piano players and lovers.

Good for a short attention span

This book is included in James Mustich's book, 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die (A Life-Changing List), and I'm working slowly through that. It was an easy listen. There really isn't much of a plot; it's a sort of ode to the piano that can be picked up and put down at will. It's so much that way that I sent it to my mother, who has dementia and finds reading difficult. I'm a fan of the piano and am glad I listened. I learned a lot. I will agree with another reviewer, however, that the narrator's pronounciation of French is terrible. I also found it odd that the French phrases were only sometimes translated to English. For someone who doesn't have at least a minimal hold on French, it may be irritating. I would recommend this for anyone who loves the piano, music in general, or Paris. Or if you just want to hear the words of someone really passionate about something.