Family Album

Delo Joio had two sons and one daughter with his wife Grace, whom he married in 1942. This work is a piano duet consisting of five short pieces depicting a harmonious family scene, dedicated to his wife and children. The dedication (To G. and V. and J. and N. jr.) lists the initials of the family members' first names. Here, the focus seems to be less on the children's boisterousness and more on peaceful daily life, relaxed conversations between parents and children, and a sense of contented tranquility. While it is the most accessible of Delo Joio's piano duets, it presents difficulties not easily discernible from the score, such as the contrapuntal interplay between both parts and sophisticated modern harmony, making it unsuitable for two beginners to play together. It would be advisable to approach this work after progressing to the level of Burgmüller. Its refined atmosphere is suitable for adult performance and appreciation, and it could even serve as a concert repertoire piece. Following this work, Delo Joio composed Five Images in 1966, Christmas Music in 1968, and Stage Parodies in 1974, all of which are more challenging, substantial piano duets comparable to Czerny Op. 30 to Op. 40. Souvenirs by Barber is not the only masterpiece among contemporary American piano duets.

Let us also discuss the subsequent history of this work. Delo Joio divorced Grace by mutual consent in 1971 and remarried Barbara Bolton in 1974. The career paths of his grown children are also interesting. His eldest son, Justin Delo Joio, became a composer like his father; his second son, Norman Jr., became an equestrian; and his eldest daughter, Victoria, became a martial artist. This reveals that the Delo Joio family, originally Italian immigrants who produced musicians for generations, also possessed excellent physical abilities. It is said that Delo Joio himself once aimed to become a professional baseball player in his youth. In 1999, the 86-year-old Delo Joio, in an interview with Albany Records, spoke about the background of Family Album's creation and his memories with his children. His conversation extended endlessly to his current enjoyment of interactions with his grandchildren. His narrative style is full of humor and boundless tenderness. This work literally became an irreplaceable album documenting happy moments with his family.

• 1. Family Meeting (家族のつどい) Brightly 4/4 C major 
• 2. Play Time (おゆうぎの時間) Very lightly 3/8 G major
• 3. Story Time (おはなしの時間) Gently and songlike 3/4 C major
• 4. Prayer Time (おいのりの時間) Like an organ 2/2 C major
• 5. Bed Time (おやすみの時間) Slow and quiet 4/4 C major