Dryden Theatre to screen Saturday, March 22 Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1027

Watch the evolution of the famed piano from forest floor to Carnegie Hall

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Dryden Theatre at George Eastman House will screen the independent documentary Note by Note: The Making of a Steinway L1027 at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 22. The film documents the evolution of a Steinway — from forest floor to Carnegie Hall. Each piano's journey is unique, beginning in Alaska with the search for wood, spanning 12 months, 450 craftsmen, and 12,000 parts. The end result is the most sought-after piano in the world, at $100,000 a pop.

Based on a series of New York Times articles, this new documentary attempts to answer the question: "How does a piano get to Carnegie Hall?" Much of the film Note by Note (Ben Niles, US 2007, 81 min., Digital Projection) takes place in the 150-year-old Steinway & Sons factory in Queens and focuses on the factory workers. These experts work in the centuries-old tradition of hand-tooling the instrument. As a result of the unique manufacturing process, the factory only produces 2,000 pianos a year.

As each Steinway is made by hand, no two are ever exactly alike. "Every piano is a little different," says tone inspector Wally Boot. "Every piano has got its own personality." For example, Harry Connick, Jr., who lends his experience with the Steinway to the film, plays 'heavy handed' and therefore needs an instrument that requires a heavier touch to produce the desired sound. The film also features Hélène Grimaud, Kenny Barron, and Marcus Roberts.

John Anderson of Newsday described Note by Note as, "Gorgeous, visually and musically."

Admission is $6 general admission, $5 students and $4 members. For more information please visit dryden.eastmanhouse.org or call (585) 271-4090.

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