This fascinating documentary follows the creation of a Steinway concert grand
piano (number L1037, to be precise) in its long and complex journey from forest
floor to concert hall. Along the way we meet some of the workers who construct
one of the most thoroughly handcrafted instruments in the world, as well as
some of the musicians- from both classical and jazz worlds- who discuss the
unique relationship between artist and instrument: Harry
Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Lang Lang, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Hélène Grimaud,
Bill Charlap, Kenny Barron and Hank Jones. Each piano has its own personality, forged by the work
of 450 craftsman combining 12,000 parts over a period of 12 months. Filmed
in key Steinway locations, including the factory in Queens, in Steinway’s reserved
“Bank” and at private auditions, Note by Note is a loving celebration
of craftsmanship, but also an appreciation of the extraordinary dialogue that
can take place between an artist and an instrument that is crafted with human
hands from the materials of nature. Producer/Director:
Ben Niles. (US 2007)
81 min.
This fascinating documentary follows the creation of a Steinway concert grand
piano (number L1037, to be precise) in its long and complex journey from forest
floor to concert hall. Along the way we meet some of the workers who construct
one of the most thoroughly handcrafted instruments in the world, as well as
some of the musicians- from both classical and jazz worlds- who discuss the
unique relationship between artist and instrument: Harry
Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Lang Lang, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Hélène Grimaud,
Bill Charlap, Kenny Barron and Hank Jones. Each piano has its own personality, forged by the work
of 450 craftsman combining 12,000 parts over a period of 12 months. Filmed
in key Steinway locations, including the factory in Queens, in Steinway’s reserved
“Bank” and at private auditions, Note by Note is a loving celebration
of craftsmanship, but also an appreciation of the extraordinary dialogue that
can take place between an artist and an instrument that is crafted with human
hands from the materials of nature. Producer/Director:
Ben Niles. (US 2007)
81 min. 