My Dearest Paris, France ...

Paris Philharmonic Museum

Okay, so I changed my mind and started my mini visit to France with a museum trip. I headed straight to the hotel from the airport, dropped off my trusty backpack at the hotel, and headed to the Paris Philharmonic Museum. Being an amateur musician myself, I almost saw it as a sort of pilgrimage, paying homage to the great composers and incredible innovations in music and instruments of centuries past.

Although I knew a couple of hours wouldn’t be enough time to visit the museum, I soon realized that it merited an entire day. The 9€ entrance fee included an audio guide with what seemed like hours of content, while the comprehensive tour included video recordings of music experts, and even recorded and live musical performances. A few Euros more would have also given me access to the Basquiat Soundtracks Exhibit, but I forfeited the opportunity due to lack of time. Having already missed the day’s live performances, I thought I would make the best of my time enjoying their ongoing collection.

Clavecins, Pianos, and Organs

As a piano student the antique claviers, pianos, and organs interested me the most. These instruments were not only state-of-the-art for their time, but pieces of art covered in hand painted detail, some even portraying entire outdoor scenes. The stunning 18th century Antoine Vater clavecin gleamed in a showroom red, as if it had just left the piano maker’s studio. It resembled a baby grand, albeit slightly smaller, and its two rows of ivories added up to only sixty keys.

I began growing a little anxious as I felt I should be sharing these beauties with someone, and so I did, I texted my piano teacher, David. He, more than anyone I knew, would appreciate my findings – and I was proven right as the questions and comments started pouring in. I enjoyed walking the museum with my teacher and I discovered things I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Listening to every explanation, watching each video, and reading the exhibit placards took up most of my time. When I arrived on the second floor, the museum attendant kindly explained to me there was a third and fourth floor and reminded me of the imminent closure.

I thanked her and sped off, rushing through the second floor, racing through the third, and followed closely by a museum attendant on the fourth. Four, three, two, one, I was back on the ground floor where I joined a handful of shoppers meticulously perusing the gift shop. Museum gift shop trinkets are expensive, but they make me feel like I’ve acquired a tiny masterpiece and that I’m somehow giving back.

I paid for my tchotchke, left the museum, got back on the subway, and as if on cue a musician began to play an Edith Piaf tune on his beautifully timeworn accordion. Ah, yes, the city of lights, love, and music. And with that, my dearest Paris, I couldn’t agree more with Audrey Hepburn: “Paris is always a good idea.”

Love always,

Susana Porras