[Piano Duets] Guaranteed to get the crowd excited! A roundup of recommended pieces

LibertangoÁstor Piazzolla

[Piazzolla Libertango] Advanced Piano Duet 4 Hands | Piano Duo PIANOISM

Astor Piazzolla, the great Argentine tango composer.

Among his many works—heavy, stylish, and tinged with melancholy—the one I especially recommend is Libertango.

Of the duet pieces introduced here, its difficulty is particularly high, landing around the middle of the advanced level.

The player on the main melody faces terrifying leaps across the keyboard, while the accompanist contends with fast, long passages that sap stamina.

There are many tough sections, so if you’re confident in your skills, definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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Waltz from MasqueradeAram Khachaturian

Khachaturian: Waltz from Masquerade (Winter 2013)

Aram Khachaturian, a great composer with Armenian roots, is an important figure in modern music.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is the Waltz from Masquerade.

It’s a piece that brims with impact even within its air of mystery, making it highly compelling to listen to from start to finish.

In terms of difficulty, it’s intermediate and not particularly hard.

Because it’s approachable, it might be a good idea to start your duet playing with this piece as a base.

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Ryo

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Petite Suite No. 4 “Ballet”Claude Debussy

2010 Award Winners Commemorative – Kaho Ohsaka & Sakurako Takahashi / Debussy: Ballet

A work for piano four hands by Claude Debussy, a composer who epitomizes French Impressionist music.

Characterized by sparkling rhythms and elegant melodies, this piece is imbued with an atmosphere reminiscent of a courtly ballet ball.

The fourth movement, “Ballet,” stands out for its vivid musical expression and a waltz rhythm that shifts partway through, drawing listeners into a world of graceful dance.

When Debussy premiered the work at a Paris salon on March 1, 1889, its bright and lively musicality surely captivated the audience.

It’s a recommended piece not only for those who enjoy piano duets but also for anyone seeking festive, approachable classical music.

Slavonic Dance, Op. 46 No. 5Antonín Dvořák

[International Competition Winning Piece ②] Dvořák | Slavonic Dance Op. 46-5 | A super cool duet you should hear at full volume | Dvořák Slavonic Dances Op. 46-5

Antonín Dvořák, known as the composer of Symphony No.

9 in E minor, Op.

95, B.

178—affectionately called “From the New World”—also left us the Slavonic Dances.

Originally written for piano four hands and totaling sixteen pieces across two sets, they were later orchestrated by the composer himself.

No.

5 from Set I, Op.

46, is a piece that lets you enjoy both a bright, cheerful atmosphere and a charming, delicate one.

Although it is a technically demanding work for duo pianists, the moment your ensemble truly locks in, you’ll be swept up in an indescribable exhilaration.

Give it a try!

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yuri

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Peter and the Wolf, Op. 67Sergei Prokofiev

S. Prokofiev – Peter and the Wolf – 1 piano 4 hands

An orchestral work composed in 1936 by Sergei Prokofiev, one of the representative composers of the 20th century.

Written with an educational intent to introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra, the piece is characterized by its unique method of depicting characters and animals with different instruments.

The story of the boy Peter and the animals’ adventures blends narration and music beautifully, captivating audiences of all ages.

Each character’s personality is conveyed through instruments—such as the bird portrayed by the flute, the duck by the oboe, and the wolf by the horn.

Even when playing it as a piano duet, it’s ideal to approach it as a single narrative while evoking the qualities of each instrument.

Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō

[Piano Duet] “Jonetsu Tairiku” Jacob Koller x Yomii (with sheet music)

A work composed by Taro Hakase, one of Japan’s leading violinists.

Well known as the theme for a documentary program, this piece captivates with its distinctive structure and dramatic melody.

It is frequently performed in various arrangements, and it can create a brilliant effect as a piano duet as well.

Imagine the passionate timbre of the violin, and aim for dynamism and a grand sense of scale.

By incorporating a wide range of dynamics and expression, you can convey the openness inherent in this piece.

It’s a work that excites both performers and listeners, making it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the piano.

Hungarian Dance No. 5Johannes Brahms

[Tugan Sokhiev] Johannes Brahms: Hungarian Dance No.5 (Orchestral version)

This is a masterpiece by Brahms, a leading composer of the German Romantic era.

Inspired by Hungarian Romani music, the work is characterized by its passionate rhythms and vibrant, dynamic melodies.

Performed as a piano four-hands duet, it offers a richness and opulence of sound that a single player cannot fully convey.

Upon its publication in 1869, it was met with great acclaim and remains beloved by many today.

It’s an ideal piece for those who want to share the joy of playing in perfect sync or experience the fun of ensemble performance.

Why not take on the challenge with friends or family?