Search - Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037 on DVD

A Timeless Icon of Modern Culture

J. Spradling | Syracuse, NY | 10/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Steinway company is the only piano manufacturer to be responsible for virtually every important innovation in the history of the instrument, to continue to build their instruments by hand, and to command a lion's share of concert houses in the world. Their instruments are capable of being passed down through generations of family, and then rebuilt, to continue their incredible lifespan. With all due respect to the few other well-known pianos, some venerable, there is no other instrument maker in history to challenge the above statement.

Considering economics, and the natural tendency to find cheaper and faster ways to produce pianos, it is not surprising that today's Steinway finds itself a relatively high-priced and outnumbered item on the floor of even Steinway stores, who have scrambled to display their own lesser-priced brands, as well as the competition's instruments. "Note by Note" is a relatively non-technical, layman's appraisal of the building of a model D Concert Grand, and it is narrated by classical and jazz Steinway artists. However, the greatest appeal, in my opinion, is revealed in how this piano continues to be sought after by families, students, and elder statesmen of varying nationalities. This video is a clear and enjoyable indication of what goes into the making of a superb instrument, and a strong reminder of how much our culture needs icons of surpassing excellence and timeless value, unthreatened by modern demands of greater volume and lower price. Its statement to this effect is enjoyable to non-musicians as well as those who play the piano."

Fabulous

D. Harter | Tallahassee | 09/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The title may be a little misleading, read as an 80-minute informercial, but it's not (disclaimer -- I prefer Kawai to Steinway). Instead, the movie is a touching and educational flick about the making of pianos in the heart of NYC. It celebrates the soul inherent in the handmade object. Personal stories are interspersed throughout, keeping us emotionally attached to the tradesmen who are part of the piano making process and the accomplished pianists, both young and old, who act as consumers. My favorite part is when one of the pianists explains how he first became enamored by the piano through watching Tom and Jerry cartoons and he plays a flamboyant rendition of a Liszt piece that will give you a good chuckle."

Not quite sure . . .

David Moeslein | 04/24/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It is all going to depend on your expectations of the video whether you like it or not when you have finished viewing it. Is the video "made well"? Yes - in fact, it is a beautiful story. However, if your expectation of this video is thatyou will know: 1) how a piano is made from start-to-finish, and; 2) what differentiates a Steinway PIANO from other piano-shaped instruments, I think you may not be 100% satisfied. Owning a Steinway and having been to both the factory and Steinway Hall, there is a lot that this film is NOT. If you want to know about the heritage of the Steinway, if you want to see the generations of ethnic workers carrying on a tradition, you will probably like "the story". It is also a bit of an "infomercial" for Steinway, but I'd hope they wouldn't use it as a primary sales tool! So - if you are passionate about the piano or music and you want to add something to your library --- go ahead and it's probably worth what you'll spend for a USED copy (getting one in the library or renting it would be a better aproach). If you want to know something about how pianos are built and what makes a Steinway special ---- READ Jim Barron's book, PIANO and visit the Steinway website and there are a lot of video clips there. The online factory tour -> [...]"

Note by Note is a winner.

Steve D. Hicks | Sandia Park, New Mexico United States | 11/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a woodworker and a lover of fine music, I found this documentary to be captivating. I loved the mix of everyday working people and the world class musicians all striving for perfection.

I highly recommend this dvd to anyone who enjoys fine music or who enjoys seeing how things are made.

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