I don't know who she was but she sure had a fancy piano.

My husband plays the piano and would love it if we could own one again. The upright piano from his childhood wasn't worth keeping and I think those shiny baby grands are tacky - too Liberace. Though I am not a huge fan of antiques, there is no denying that this piano is gorgeous.

Princess Christina de Belgiojoso Piano
Chosen and Played by Franz Liszt
Saint Loup Des Vignes, France

Exceptional and unique concert grand piano in Gothic style made by Erard Paris in 1834. Case
made by Burgoltz case maker for Erard. This piano is Pure Gothique Style. Case is made of solid pieces of hand carved Rio Rosewood. Piano sits on a trestle form with six legs. The length of the piano is 240 cm long. This piano is in need of restorations. The Pin block will need to be replaced. 6 Octaves and four notes ( C-F) Keys of ivory and ebony. Erard double escapement, mechaniques and hammers are in working condition. Parallel strings with underdampers.

The history of this piano is a fascinating as this piano is part of a well known piece of pianoforte history that most people have read. In 31st May of 1834, Erard finished the building of this piano. Franz Liszt brought Princess Christina de Belgiojoso to their shop in Paris in May os 1835 where he personally chose this piano for her salon in Paris. The piano was then delivered to the famous salon, where it was then used for many concerts by many famous composers and musicians of that time, and was displayed and played to a Guest list that included many Royals and Nobility. In 1837 the Princess de Belgiojoso invited Both Franz Liszt and Sigmund Thalberg to have a dual where the proceeds would go to charity. The Salon was filled full of important people of that time such as Chopin, Hertz, Pizi, and much more. The dual was to see who of the two rivals were the best pianist. Both played on the piano their own peices in of course their own styles of playing. At the end of the dual, the Princess of course was asked for her opinion of who was the best pianist. In her own words she stated, "Thalberg is the first pianist of the world, Liszt is the only one!"

This piano is currently for sale.

Liabilities:
This item = $500,000
Total = $44,594,574