[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces
Piano duet pieces performed with four hands simultaneously are all dazzling and cool! When choosing a piece to present at a recital, many people may wonder, “What kind of piece will make a big impression?” or feel stuck because “They all seem difficult, and I can’t decide…”.
So this time, from among luxurious and brilliant duet pieces, we’re introducing recommended works at the intermediate level! They all sound grand, but since the parts are shared between two players and there are many intermediate-level arrangements, these pieces are easy to try without feeling overwhelmed.
We hope this helps you choose your next duet piece.
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- [Intermediate Level] A curated selection of piano masterpieces featuring strikingly brilliant melodies!
- [Beginner] Recommended Piano Duets | A curated selection of pieces enjoyable for both adults and children
- [For Adults] Recommended for Piano Recitals! A Curated Selection of Impressively Sounding Masterpieces
- [For Elementary School Students] Brilliant, Showy Masterpieces That Sound Impressive at Piano Recitals
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Recommended Piano Duets for Intermediate Players | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Works (61–70)
CharmenSeizuka Shinya
Shinya Kiyozuka is a pianist who’s in constant demand on TV.
“Charumen” is one of his most popular pieces, showcasing not only his solid performance skills and unique ideas but also his success as a composer.
Many listeners will likely recognize familiar phrases here and there.
That’s right—this work features a distinctive structure that mixes “Carmen” and “Csárdás.” Because it highlights the strengths of both pieces at once, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to stand out at a recital or similar event!
Piano Concerto “Fate”: First MovementSenju Akira
If you’re looking to play a serious piano duet, I recommend Akira Senju’s Piano Concerto “Shukumei” (Fate).
It’s the piece used in the 2004 TV drama adaptation of Seicho Matsumoto’s long mystery novel “Sand on the Shore” (Suna no Utsuwa), starring Masahiro Nakai, a story that has been dramatized multiple times.
As you’ll hear right away, this piece has none of the bright, pop-like feel; as the word “concerto” suggests, it demands a fully-fledged, classical-style performance.
In recent years, more piano teachers have allowed performances of music from games, anime, and dramas, but choosing and pulling off this piece will astonish audiences.
Its character is weighty and imposing, reminiscent of Beethoven.
The technical demands are considerable, so if there’s a pianist who wants to tackle a robust, advanced-level work, this could be a worthy challenge.
It would be wonderful for two players to rehearse deeply and bring a musical drama to life together.
Hungarian Dance No. 2Johannes Brahms
Originally composed as a piano duet, this piece is a passionate work inspired by Hungarian folk music.
Short phrases are repeated with richly nuanced dynamics woven throughout, creating an irresistible appeal that draws the listener in.
Published in 1869, it has since been arranged in various forms and performed in diverse settings, including orchestral versions and violin duets.
The fusion of powerful rhythms and emotionally rich melodies fully showcases the unique allure of the piano duet.
It is an ideal work for duet players seeking expressive performances, as well as for music lovers in search of a passionate masterpiece imbued with the flavor of folk music.
It is also recommended for those who wish to enjoy a weighty sonority and the tension of spirited interplay.
Happy Lifere fureru
Les Frères is a piano duo formed by brothers Moriya Saito and Keito Saito.
It’s no exaggeration to say they are the most popular piano duo in Japan.
Their works are known for their brilliant, up-tempo style.
“Happy Life” encapsulates the charm of Les Frères and is a particularly dazzling piece.
Because there’s little space between notes, the tempo tends to quicken as you play, so when practicing, be sure to use a metronome and keep a firm focus on the rhythm.
Czardas for Four HandsTabuchi Saeko
The piece often considered for advanced players, Csárdás for Four Hands.
It’s a work frequently performed not only as a piano solo or duet, but also on instruments like the violin.
The key to this piece is high-speed legato.
In duets, people tend to focus only on the fingers, but in this work the feet are actually more important than the fingers.
Practice pedaling that connects and sustains the sound through repetition, and for the accompaniment part, drill maintaining a strict sense of rhythm.
It’s a very impressive piece to listen to, so be sure to check it out.
Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18Sergei Rachmaninov
For those who want to tackle a duet piece with not only a glamorous atmosphere but also a heavy, cool feel, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.
2 in C minor, Op.
18 is highly recommended.
It’s a masterpiece by Sergei Rachmaninoff and is frequently used in figure skating, so many of you may find it familiar.
It features many chords spanning an octave or more and includes fast passages, making it challenging for beginners.
However, it’s also an extremely brilliant and stylish work, so be sure to check it out.
Suite “Dolly,” Op. 56: No. 2, Mi-a-ouGabriel Fauré
Gabriel Fauré’s masterpiece, the suite Dolly.
Composed to celebrate the birthday of the Bardac family’s daughter, Hélène, it is now beloved as a staple of piano recitals.
This time, I’d like to introduce the second piece, “Mi-a-ou.” The highlight of this work is its brilliant melody, worthy of a suite’s finale.
Its energetic structure brings out the full impact of four-hand performance.
Be sure to check it out.