The Mack Sisters, born in Japan, came to the United States in 1977. They studied with Flavio Varani and the late Joyce Adelson at Oakland University, and later with Louis Nagel at the University of Michigan.

The Macks decided to build a career as duo pianists in 1994, and have since won prizes in several international competitions. This CD, devoted to music by six contemporary American composers, shows them to be evenly matched both technically and artistically.

The sisters play John Musto’s two piano arrangement of music from Bernstein’s “West Side Story” with well-balanced flair, and conquer each of the technical traps in three Victor Babin etudes.

Ned Rorem’s Six Variations for Two Pianos offers opportunities to demonstrate quick personality shifts which the Macks delineate admirably. They also give logical shape to John Corigliano’s pleasant “Gazebo Dances,” composed for two pianists at one keyboard.

Fine playing here, from performers whose decision to unite their artistry in no way diminishes the considerable gifts of each.

The Oakland Press; Classic Collectibles; Sunday April 22, 2001