Photo: H. Pottin / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Sébastien Érard is the kind of figure who makes my chest tighten with admiration. By inventing the double-escapement action, he made the rapid repetition of notes possible, which means the piano you hear in any modern concert hall flows from his workshop in Strasbourg. He improved the harp, built his name into a great brand as an entrepreneur, and even collected art, leaving behind a gallery bearing his own name. Craftsman's hands, merchant's instinct, connoisseur's eye, all in one man. Across more than two centuries, he earns my standing applause. Simply outstanding work.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Sébastien Érard
- Name (Japanese)
- セバスチャン・エラール
- Reading
- せばすちゃん・えらーる
- Born
- April 5, 1752 – August 5, 1831
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Aries / Monkey
- Origin
- Strasbourg, France
- Occupation
- entrepreneur / piano maker / musical instrument maker / musician / art collector
4. Personality
Motto
Private
5. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Catalogue des tableaux italiens, flamands, hollandais et français des anciennes écoles, qui composent la magnifique galerie de M. le chevalier Erard | — | |
| Notable work | Ordre qui sera suivi pour la mise aux enchères des tableaux, composant la galerie de feu M. le Chevalier Séb. Érard | — |
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Sébastien Érard born?
April 5, 1752 – August 5, 1831.
Where is Sébastien Érard from?
Sébastien Érard is from Strasbourg, France.
What does Sébastien Érard do?
Sébastien Érard works as entrepreneur, piano maker, musical instrument maker, musician, art collector.
What is Sébastien Érard known for?
Notable works include Catalogue des tableaux italiens, flamands, hollandais et français des anciennes écoles, qui composent la magnifique galerie de M. le chevalier Erard, Ordre qui sera suivi pour la mise aux enchères des tableaux, composant la galerie de feu M. le Chevalier Séb. Érard.
Entrepreneur — see all → · More people from France →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.