The historic French piano maker Pleyel officially closed its last factory in 2013 after more than 200 years of operation. The company, founded in 1807 by Ignaz Pleyel, was once celebrated as the maker of Chopin’s favorite pianos, but it could not survive against cheaper global competition and changing market trends.
Brief History of Pleyel
Founded in 1807 by Ignaz Pleyel, a composer and student of Haydn.
Chopin’s Choice: Frédéric Chopin considered Pleyel pianos the “non plus ultra” (the ultimate) and composed many works on them.
Innovations: Pleyel pioneered upright pianos in France and was among the first to use a metal frame in piano construction.
Salle Pleyel: The company also operated a famous Paris concert hall, where Chopin gave his first and last Paris concerts.
Why Pleyel Closed
Declining Sales: By 2013, the Saint-Denis factory had only 14 employees left, after producing more than 250,000 pianos in its history.
Competition: Could not compete with cheaper Asian manufacturers, especially China, which became the world’s largest producer and consumer of pianos.
Market Shifts: The piano market moved toward digital instruments and budget models, leaving little room for handcrafted luxury pianos.
Financial Losses: Persistent deficits and low production levels forced closure.
Legacy
Pleyel remains a symbol of French piano craftsmanship, associated with Chopin, Debussy, Ravel, and Stravinsky.
Its instruments are preserved in museums and collections worldwide (e.g., Chopin’s last Pleyel piano in Warsaw).
The brand name still exists, but production of new Pleyel pianos has ceased.
Big Picture
Pleyel’s closure reflects a broader trend: European piano makers struggling against globalization and digitalization. While the brand is gone as a manufacturer, its cultural legacy endures as part of music history.
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