Érard, Pierre (EN)

Érard Pierre, *10 March 1794 Paris, †14 August 1865 Passy (near Paris), French musical instrument maker and Sébastien’s nephew. From 1815, he ran the London branch, and following Sébastien’s death, he became the owner of the firm. He introduced further improvements to the instruments, particularly to the mechanisms of upright pianos and grand pianos; amongst other things, in 1824 he extended the compass to 7 octaves, in 1834 he improved the repetition action mechanism, and in 1838 he invented the barré harmonique. He also published The Harp in its Present Improved State Compared with the Original Pedal Harp (London, 1821). In recognition of his achievements, he was made a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur in 1834, and an Officier in 1851. Following his death, his widow took over the businesses in Paris and London. After her, Count de Franqueville became the owner in 1889. The company’s current name is Société Gaveau-Érard.

Literature: J. Gardien Les Érards, Paris 1962.