Erard

Though, Sebastian Erard innovations played a central role in the development of the piano, his name first came to public attention in 1776 when he constructed a mechanical harpsichord.

Born in Strasbourg on 5th April 1752, Sebastian Erard moved to Paris in 1768 and worked for an unknown harpsichord maker. Erard explored the fundamentals of instrument making, it soon became apparent that Erard was a genius at finding ways around mechanical problems.

Erard

The original patent drawing for Erard's double escapement

Erard enjoyed a very successful career selling harpsichords. Finally in June 1810, after many years of work, Sebastian Erard, patent the double-escapement action (patent Number 3332) This is regarded by most, as the date of invention of the concert harp. After 11 more years, this double escapement was applied to the piano in 1821.

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