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Finding Aids to Official Records of the Smithsonian Institution Archives

Accession 17-256

Smithsonian Productions

Productions, 2000-2002, 2009

Repository:Smithsonian Institution Archives, Washington, D.C. Contact us at osiaref@si.edu.
Creator:Smithsonian Productions
Title:Productions
Dates:2000-2002, 2009
Quantity:0.58 cu. ft. (1 tall document box)
Collection:Accession 17-256
Language of Materials:English
Summary:

This accession consists of audiovisual materials created during the production of "People and Pianos: 300 Years" and "Piano Grand!," both of which celebrated the 300th anniversary of the piano. The documentary "People and Pianos: 300 Years" was filmed in various locations across Europe, the United States and in Japan, and featured experts and craftsmen who traced the evolution of the piano, beginning with its inception in Italy to the digital and electronic technologies of tomorrow. Performances demonstrated how the introduction of the piano influenced the development of music from classical to ragtime to jazz. The broadcast aired on PBS in December 2001. "Piano Grand!" was a 90 minute television performance that complemented the 2000 exhibition "Piano 300: Celebrating Three Centuries of People and Pianos." It was hosted by Billy Joel and featured Dave Brubeck, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other renowned pianists. It was co-produced by Maryland Public Television. Materials in this accession include masters, clones, graphics, and various versions of the productions on videotape. Some materials are in electronic format.

Descriptive Entry

This accession consists of audiovisual materials created during the production of "People and Pianos: 300 Years" and "Piano Grand!," both of which celebrated the 300th anniversary of the piano.

The documentary "People and Pianos: 300 Years" was filmed in various locations across Europe, the United States and in Japan, and featured experts and craftsmen who traced the evolution of the piano, beginning with its inception in Italy to the digital and electronic technologies of tomorrow. Performances demonstrated how the introduction of the piano influenced the development of music from classical to ragtime to jazz. The broadcast aired on PBS in December 2001.

"Piano Grand!" was a 90 minute television performance that complemented the 2000 exhibition "Piano 300: Celebrating Three Centuries of People and Pianos." It was hosted by Billy Joel and featured Dave Brubeck, Jerry Lee Lewis, and other renowned pianists. It was co-produced by Maryland Public Television.

Materials in this accession include masters, clones, graphics, and various versions of the productions on videotape.

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Access Restriction

Restrictions pertaining to the use of these materials may apply (based on contracts/copyright). Access restrictions may also apply if viewing copies are not currently available. Viewing copies can be made for a fee. Contact reference staff for details.

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Preferred Citation

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 17-256, Smithsonian Productions, Productions

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Container List

Box 1

"People and Pianos: 300 Years," Closed Captioned, 56:42, 2/28/2002, Betacam SP

Box 1 of 1

"People and Pianos: 300 Years," Closed Captioned, 56:46, 1/20/2002, Betacam SP

Box 1 of 1

"People and Pianos: 300 Years," Closed Captioned Master, 56:46, 10/16/2001, Betacam SP

Box 1 of 1

"Piano Grand!," Pledge Version, Clone, 91:16, 8/31/2009, Betacam SP

Box 1 of 1

"Piano Grand!," PMAI Logo Background, High-definition Graphics Transfer, Master, 4/24/2000, HDCAM

Box 1 of 1

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