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from the issue of January 31, 2008
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'Note by Note' traces art of piano build
The art of handcrafting a piano is showcased in the film "Note By Note: The Making of the Steinway L1037," opening Feb. 1 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
The film follows the 12-month journey of a concert grand piano - from forest floor to a debut in a New York concert hall. "Note By Note" chronicles a manufacturing process that includes 450 craftsmen, 12,000 parts and countless hours of fine-tuned labor.
Filmed in key Steinway locations, the documentary highlights a dying breed of skilled cabinetmakers, gifted tuners and hand crafters, all of which are being lost to mass production.
"Note By Note" includes commentary by musicians, including Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Harry Connick Jr., and Hank Jones, each offering their insight into their piano.
Also opening Feb. 1 at the Ross is Tamara Jenkins' "The Savages."
"The Savages" is a sometimes-funny, sometimes-sad look at family dynamics. Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman play Wendy and Jon Savage, a pair of siblings on the cusp of middle age. She's earning money in New York City as a temp as she writes an autobiographical play about their childhood, while he lives in Buffalo, teaching college and finishing a book on Bertolt Brecht.
Their estranged father (Philip Bosco) lives across the country, but the Savages reluctantly rush to see him when they learn that he may not be able to take care of himself any longer. Jon and Wendy bicker over problems old and new as they try to figure out what's best for a man they barely know.
"The Savages" (rated R for some sexuality and language) and "Note by Note" play through Feb. 7 at the Ross.
For more information, including show times, go online to www.theross.org or call 472-5353.
GO TO: ISSUE OF JANUARY 31
ARTS HEADLINES FOR JANUARY 31
Hillestad hosts corset history exhibition
American Life in Poetry
Feb. 1 performance features UNL pianist
MOVIE SHOOT
Neely's Feb. 2 recital cancelled
'Note by Note' traces art of piano build
Performers meld poetry, South American music
'Ring of Fire' opens Feb. 5
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