In the age of the Baroque, Double Concertos were quite common: there were concertos written for two flutes, two trumpets, or, like the famous concerto by J.S. Bach, for two violins. These Double Concertos represented a civilized give-and-take between the two soloists, a sense of balance or decorum perhaps typical of 18th century society in general. In the 19th century, however, the concept of the solitary artist as hero — or rebel — helped make the virtuosic solo concerto much more typical of the Romantic age.

In our time, the Double Concerto occasionally makes a civilized comeback, and, on today's date in 1989, this one — for Two Violins — was premiered in Pittsburgh, Kansas. It's by the American composer Katherine Hoover, who offered this explanation: "When two violinists get together to perform with an orchestra, its usually a friendly celebration, a chance for colleagues who value each other's talents and skills to enjoy making music together… So I began to think: If I were one of the players, I would want the piece to be grateful and warm, with lyricism and a sense of playfulness. This is what I have attempted to write."

Katherine Hoover's 1989 Double Concerto was commissioned and premiered by the Southeastern Kansas Orchestra. This more recent recording features Madison, Wisconsin's Philomusica ensemble, with soloists David Perry and Suzanne Beia.