[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] Recommended Piano Duets | Carefully Selected Cool & Dazzling Works (71–80)
Merry-Go-Round of Life – Duet VersionHisaishi Joe
Introducing a magnificent waltz for piano four hands from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle.
Set in 3/4 time, its graceful melody splendidly captures the film’s magical atmosphere, enchanting listeners with the rich sonority and expressive power unique to four-hand performance.
Featured on the soundtrack of the film released in November 2004, its beautiful, European classical–inspired themes blend exquisitely with flute and strings.
In the piano duet, the interplay between primo and secondo creates a resonant depth, while a tightly unified performance evokes an elegant ambience.
It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to draw on their classical experience while enjoying harmonious ensemble with a duet partner.
From the suite “Ma mère l’Oye,” No. 3: “Laideronnette, Empress of the Pagodas”Maurice Ravel
This is a masterpiece that unfolds a fairytale world imbued with an Oriental atmosphere.
It vividly portrays, through the unique four-hand resonance of piano duet, the tale of a beautiful princess cursed and transformed.
The piece is one of the five movements in a piano duet suite composed by Maurice Ravel between 1908 and 1910 for the children of his friends.
In this work, the sounds of Chinese instruments—such as xylophone and percussion—are brilliantly evoked using two pianos.
Amid its light and bright character, the timbre brims with exotic color, as if the distant toll of a gong were resounding.
Demanding rich expression across the piano’s high and low registers and close ensemble coordination, it is an ideal work for concerts and recitals.
Aladdin “Friend Like Me”Alan Menken
This piece lets you enjoy a Disney film song as a piano duet.
Incorporating elements of jazz and cabaret, it’s an up-tempo arrangement highlighted by a striking brass section.
Performed powerfully by Koichi Yamadera on the 90-minute special of the TV program Music Station in July 2019, the song beautifully blends a cheerful atmosphere with magical staging.
With its melodic, approachable character, it’s perfect for teacher-and-student or parent-and-child duets.
It has also been staged in the Broadway musical adaptation, earning high acclaim including a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in 2014.
Why not perform this beloved classic—adored across generations—together with someone special?
[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces (81–90)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons “Resident Services”Todaka Ikusei
This piece comes from Nintendo’s popular Animal Crossing series, specifically Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and is characterized by its warm, gentle melody.
While helping players relax, it features a simple yet memorable and pleasing tune.
Subtle arrangement changes occur depending on the time of day, and the soft tones of piano and synthesizer evoke the atmosphere of a peaceful life.
It also works wonderfully as a duet for two players, allowing you to enjoy the harmony between the melody and chord parts and spend a leisurely time through music.
It’s a perfect piece for those who want to share a gentle moment while playing in sync as a pair.
UniverseOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is a song by the music group Official HIGE DANDism, affectionately known as “Higedan.” It’s the theme song for the national anime film Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021, and its title carries meanings like “imaginary world” and “universe.” When you think of space in films, grand images like Star Wars or E.T.
may come to mind, but since this is for the beloved anime Doraemon, the piece has a friendly, hope-filled character.
The opening piano part remains compelling even in the four-hand arrangement; it makes clever use of rests and continues with phrases that are quintessentially Higedan.
The powerful vocal lines, when adapted for piano duet, gain just the right accents and added depth from two players, bringing out the strengths of the original.
It seems the sheet music is available for purchase, so if you’re a pianist who likes Higedan, why not give it a try?
“Arabesque” from Burgmüller for Two PianistsTabuchi Saeko
One of Johann Burgmüller’s representative works, “Arabesque,” is a piece still beloved by many performers and fans today.
This modern arrangement, “Arabesque from Burgmüller for Two Pianists,” reimagines Burgmüller’s masterpiece with a stronger jazz flavor, resulting in an overall dazzling impression.
Its difficulty level is close to advanced, so it’s not easy to take on—but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Slavonic Dances, Series II No. 1, Op. 72 No. 1Antonín Dvořák
This piano duet, which gracefully elevates the Czech folk dance “Odřezávák” (Odřezávák/Odřezák/Oděrák), captivates with harmonies woven by four hands and a powerful rhythmic drive.
Composed in 1886, inspired by traditional Slavic dances, it contrasts a bright, lively main theme with a gentle middle section to draw out a wide range of dynamic expression.
Rich in technical elements—contrasts of forte and piano, brilliant passagework, and more—it demands tight ensemble coordination, making it ideal for duet enthusiasts looking to deepen their collaborative skills.
Its dramatic arc, balancing strength and delicacy, also makes it a superb choice for recital performances.