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If a tree falls in the Alaskan wilderness, will anyone hear it? Eventually. That is, if it happens to be a tree chopped down for a manufacturer in Queens, New York.
As part if its 38th season, the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic, along with Robert M. Sides Music Centers, will present a screening of the award-winning documentary “Note by Note: The Making of a Steinway L1037” Wednesday, Sept. 9 at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre.
Steinway & Sons was founded in 1853 on three principles that still hold true today: Build to a standard, not a price. Make no compromise in quality. And, strive always to improve the instrument. While other manufacturers have turned to mass production, Steinway takes pride in handcrafting each piano. The film is a year-long journey involving 450 craftsman and 12,000 pieces.
“Note by Note” pays tribute to that labor of love and follows the entire construction of a nine-foot Steinway from a lumber yard in Alaska to the factory in Queens to the concert hall stage. The film introduces some of the seasoned cabinet makers, tuners and handcrafters behind the strings, keys, pedals, case, bridge and other components of the Steinway grand.
The official movie Web site touts the film as “a loving celebration of not just craftsmanship, but of dying breed of person who is deeply connected to working by hand. In the end, this is an ode to the most unexpected, and perhaps iconic, of unsung heroes.”
While highlighting the process every step of the way from wood selection to final tuning, the documentary is interspersed with interviews with acclaimed pianists Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Kenny Barron, Bill Charlap, Harry Connick Jr., Helene Grimaud, Hank Jones, Lang Lang and Marcus Roberts, all of which praise the manufacturer. In addition, the film also features an interview with 93-year-old Henry Z. Steinway, great-grandson of the brand’s founder, Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg.
Producer/director Ben Niles is an not just a documentary filmmaker but also an award-winning graphic designer who over the years had produced photo shoots, videos, commercials and album design and has worked with entertainers like Collective Soul, Jewel, Phish, George Carlin and more. But despite all of his time in the music industry, he was inspired most by what he saw happening at Steinway on his dozen or so visits. He explains in his director’s statement: “No other group — record labels, bands or musicians themselves — has inspired me like Steinway craftsmen have. Their deep respect for the pride they take in their work and belief in the future of music is refreshing.”
Wednesday’s event will open with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments with NEPA Philharmonic Maestro, Lawrence Loh, followed by the screening, which begins in the ballroom at 6:45 p.m. After the screening, Niles will hold a question-and-answer session. And what is a celebration of the Steinway without hearing some music from the leading star of the film? Local pianist Ron Stavinski and guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu will each perform following the film. After the performances, guests will enjoy dessert.
Niles’ goal is clear: He wants his film to create a dialogue. In his director’s statement he said, “I hope this film solicits many conversations about American industry, craftsmanship, quality and music. It’s a conversation we’ve been craving for some time.”
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Screening of “Note by Note: The Making of a Steinway L1037,” Q&A with director Ben Niles and performances from pianists Ron Stavinski and Jon Nakamatsu, Westmoreland Club (59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre), Wed., Sept. 9, 6 p.m. Admission: $25 adults, $10 students. Info: www.nepaphil.org, 570.341.1568,
www.notebynotethemovie.com.