Married pianists complement each other

MU professors Ayako Tsuruta and Peter Miyamoto gave a joint recital Monday.

By Allie Blood

Published Nov. 27, 2007

Piano duo Ayako Tsuruta and Peter Miyamoto, both MU School of Music professors, presented music of the two-piano genre in a recital Monday.

But the two aren't just accomplished musicians — they're a married couple.

Tsuruta said without rehearsals, she wouldn't spend much time with her husband due to their busy schedules.

In addition to spending more time together, Tsuruta said it is worthwhile to make the music work together on stage.

"Most pianists play alone, so it's wonderful to play with another, especially the one you love," Miyamoto said.

Being married and playing together can cause conflicts, Tsuruta said, mostly in practice.

"I let my guard down, and I'm not as careful with my words," Tsuruta said.

Although they might face some challenges, there are also rewards that come along with working with a spouse.

Tsuruta said she is beginning her exploration of the two-piano genre, but Miyamoto has been playing with a partner for years.

In the genre, two grand pianos are played at the same time, creating one song from the two parts.

"The process is something I love, getting to know these great works. They're some of the greatest products of human civilization," Miyamoto said.

Because they are professors, their students attended the recital with high expectations.

"It's nice to hear them play because we play in class, they don't," sophomore piano performance student Sachithri Fernando said.

Each of the four songs they played showcased different talents and moods. The couple conveyed their messages through music, facial expression and body movements while playing.

Audience members said they enjoyed the collaboration. Sophomore Matt Cordeal most enjoyed their second song, "Sonatine" by Jean-Michel Damase.

"This is the best School of Music concert I've been to so far," Cordeal said.

In addition, they played "Sonata in D Major, K. 448" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "La Valse" by Maurice Ravel and "Suite No. 2, Op. 17" by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

Tsuruta said they picked the four pieces because they are the major works for two pianos.

Miyamoto said he could not pick a favorite because he loves them all in different ways.

"The Mozart is really one of the gems of this genre, but the Rachmaninoff is exciting and romantic," Miyamoto said.

Tsuruta said her favorite part of playing music was the feedback from the audience.

"When that moment you try to create works beautifully, the immediate response from the audience is quite honest," Tsuruta said.

The duo performed a recital in St. Louis together in June, and they have been working on music for this recital since then.

According to the recital program, both professors have played and studied abroad.

"One of my favorite parts (of playing music) is the travel," Miyamoto said. "It's nice to see new places."