Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 23: Dueling Pianos

*I have included a list of the pieces played during the dueling pianos performance.  If you have easy access to Apple Music, I suggest you listen to them to get an idea of Peter and Stellian's tastes in music and technical skill.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!*

Peter and Lisbeth decided to take a break from dancing and sat down by the window.  An uncomfortable chill had settled between them since the incident with Stellian.  Peter was not convinced that Lisbeth disliked his brother as much as she claimed.  In his eyes, her earlier mannerisms had painted quite a different picture. He couldn't help feeling betrayed.  He watched her glumly, ruminating over what he had seen and heard.  Lisbeth avoided making eye contact with Peter.  Instead, she continuously scanned the room while tapping her foot nervously.  To Peter, she seemed either extremely bored or uncomfortable around him.  In any case, she looked like she wanted to be entirely elsewhere.

As the orchestra finished playing yet another waltz, Peter suddenly heard his brother's booming voice:

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention," Stellian loudly addressed the crowd.  "As customary at our social gatherings, my brother and I have a special treat for you.  In honor of the New Year and to bid the old one farewell, Peter and I will perform several pieces that demonstrate our skill and fortitude, in a grand musical tour de force.  It is your job to then proclaim the winner of our dueling pianos!"

The audience clapped and exclaimed, showing their enthusiasm.  Stellian paused and looked around the room, quite theatrically shading his eyes with one hand, even though he still wore the gilded face mask.

"Peter!  Where are you hiding, little brother?"  Several people chuckled at his mockery.

Peter inwardly groaned.  He noticed Lisbeth closely watching his reaction.  He stood up tall and slowly made his way through the crowd that began to part around him.

"I'm right here," Peter replied distinctly.

The room fell quiet as the two brothers stared each other down.

"Oh, good," Stellian said.  "I was afraid you were hiding from me," he sniggered.  To Peter's annoyance, several people giggled once again.

"And why would I do that?"  Peter stood his ground.  "You know I always look forward to beating you in this so-called competition."  Peter accompanied the word 'competition' with air-quotes and looked around grinning.  This time, his remark was followed by laughter.

Through his mask, Stellian narrowed his eyes maliciously.  He did not like being the target of mockery.

"Well then... let's see what you're capable of tonight.  I haven't heard you practice much over the past week," Stellian's eyes threw daggers at Peter.  "Perhaps you need some extra time before we begin?"  Stellian got more chuckles from the audience at Peter's expense.

"Unlike you," Peter continued to confidently approach his brother, "...I don't need all that extra practice.  I've been blessed with natural talent... and skill."  Their guests obviously appreciated this verbal battle, and laughed again.

Peter reached the front of the ballroom and stood in front of Stellian, having the advantage of height over him.  The brothers exchanged challenging glances.

"Very well," Stellian said through gritted teeth.  "Let's see who really is the better pianist."

He then addressed the audience once again:

"If you will... please join us in the music room."

Stellian led the way, followed by Peter.  The music room had already been set up for their performance.  The folding chairs were arranged in rows and the pianos took center stage.  Stellian and Peter sat down at their respective instruments and continued staring at each other while the guests found seats.  Once everyone settled down and the room was quiet, Stellian asked Peter: