Bizet's composing table piano

Originally made for the French composer Fromental Halévy, whose daughter married Georges Bizet. The couple inherited the piano on Halévy's death, and Bizet used it to compose his major works, including "Carmen". Compass: C1–a4; 3-Octave span 483. Stringing: 18 singles C1–F; bichord F sharp–a4. Action: Retractable keyboard under a modified and compressed version of the English grand action as used in French square pianos. Underdampers to b2. Knee-lever: Dampers.