Musical genius and understanding exudes from piano duo Anthony and Joseph Paratore, who performed Thursday, January 14th at the Sacramento Community Center Theater in the Convention Center Complex. It was the first appearance of the internationally acclaimed brothers in Sacramento.

The performance consisted of the brothers playing several orchestral compositions on two pianos unaccompanied. The first, a classical score by Sergei Rachmaninov, showed the power and strength of their musical talent with heavy notes and soft undertones. The brothers then played a condensed version of the "Nutcracker" suite which was as beautiful as it was perfectly on-point.

After intermission, the Paratores switched the tempo of the concert to a jazz score written by Dave Brubeck specifically for the brothers. The sweet melodies and catchy rhythms enraptured the entire audience.

The brothers finished their performance with a double encore of both men at one piano. At times, they even crossed over each others' arms. The crowed was moved to several standing ovations and the brothers informally greeted the audience after the show.

The Boston-born brothers have been playing together for over 30 years. Both attended the University of Boston Music School and Juliard where their solo skills were perfected and their duo presentation was encouraged. Coming from a family of musicians, the brothers remember their father, Anthony Paratore Sr. asking, "Did you practice today?" rather than "How was school?"

The Paratores gently laugh at the idea of trying to name their most memorable performance, but they place performing at the White House, on "The Tonight Show" and in Salzburg, Austria with the Vienna Philharmonic in the top three.

They have produced several albums with several major record companies and have played concerts all across America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

The "2 Pianos 4 Hands" performance the Paratores are known for is a unique style in which the brothers take original symphonies and piano masterpieces and add to them with the available extra notes of the other player.

With this technique, the brothers simulate the other instruments of the orchestra, while maintaining a piano lead. This interesting example of musical creativity has won them awards and accolades from the biggest names in the classical music world and beyond.

The brothers say their success is a testament to the power and importance of family love and appreciation. Without the encouragement of their parents and constant motivation of each other, none of it would have been possible.

Their other main drive is a pure appreciation and devotion to music. For the Paratores, "making a living is a by-product when you are doing what you love."

The Paratores want, above all, to continue performing and to maintain the bond of the classical musician and their audience. Both try to play something new every day and have a broad taste of music.

"I appreciate good music of any genre, as long as it's good," Anthony said.

They also believe that music appreciation is something that must be shared with the young. The brothers believe that it is their job as performers to continue to play for young people and open up their world.

The biggest reward for the Paratores is not success, money or fame. According to Anthony, they are simply " happy to live in a musical world."

For more information on the Paratore brothers, see www.duoparatore.com