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Tennis for Two

for Piano Four-Hands

Program Note

I was first introduced to Christina and Michelle Naughton by conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong at the Eugene Symphony in Oregon, where a work of mine was performed alongside their masterful performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Concerto for Two Pianos. I was struck not only by their virtuosity, but by how tremendously simpatico and connected they were. Every cue and move given by one was anticipated and echoed by the other, almost like they shared the same brain. It was true sibling energy.

Watching their performance reminded me of my own relationships with my brothers and sister, and the many hours we spent playing video games growing up. As such, Tennis for Two was one of the very first video games ever designed back in 1958. The game was meant to be played by two players sitting side-by-side looking at the screen, much like two pianists sitting at a keyboard looking at sheet music.

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