[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 | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces (11–20)
Mission: ImpossibleLalo Schifrin
As the two of you become able to play to a certain extent, you’ll probably feel more eager to play and want to try a variety of pieces beyond classical, such as music from games, anime, and J-pop.
How about the well-known theme from Mission: Impossible? The original comes from the American TV drama “Mission: Impossible,” which aired from 1966 to 1973, and those with a strong association to the movie may be surprised to learn the film is not the source.
The opening wind instruments with triangle tremolo and the 5/4 bass line are unforgettable once you’ve heard them.
In 5/4 time, the key in piano four-hands is how well the melody can ride over the bass line.
Since long notes decay on the piano, it’s best if the two of you can play in a way that doesn’t let the energy of the sound fade.
From Kirakira Piano: Famous Piano Duets for Children, Volume 1 — “Catbus”Todoroki Chihiro
When we think of piano duets, we tend to imagine two people of the same age or build playing together.
But when practicing duets at home, it’s often a parent who sits in.
In this piece, the accompaniment is considerably easier than the main melody, making it approachable even for parents who aren’t confident about playing duets.
While the overall difficulty is such that children can play it, there are still a few stumbling blocks, such as fast passages and slightly wider fingerings.
It’s a recommended duet piece for two intermediate-level pianists.
Bling-Bang-Bang-BornDJ matsunaga
For those looking for a lively, intermediate-level piano piece, how about “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born”? At first glance you might wonder how to read the title—it’s pronounced “Blin-Bang-Bang-Born.” It’s a rap-style song that’s hugely popular on social media, and you often see videos of people dancing to it.
With up-tempo songs, the notes fly by in an instant even as you chase them, so be sure not to fall behind the beat as you play.
It may take time to play the rhythms accurately, but use a metronome and master them thoroughly.
The more familiar and well-known a song is, the easier it is to notice mistakes, so listen to the original track and practice until the two of you can perform a well-synchronized duet.
Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō
Composed by Taro Hakase, “Jonetsu Tairiku” is renowned for its passionately soaring violin, and it shines just as brightly as a piano duet.
Originally created as a TV program’s theme song, its hallmarks are a catchy melody and a disco-like intro.
While it sounds dazzling and perhaps difficult, once you get used to its distinctive Latin rhythm, it’s surprisingly approachable—making it a great piece for intermediate players, too.
Its richly colorful tones evoke the feeling of traveling the world, and with a well-synchronized performance, it’s sure to captivate audiences at any recital.
Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 6, for four handsLudwig van Beethoven
A work for piano four hands by the great classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven, published in 1797.
It is a relatively short two-movement sonata characterized by a bright and lively tone.
The first movement has a spirited, energetic sense of tempo, while the second features a calm and elegant melody.
Because its technical difficulty is relatively low, it can be played not only by professionals but also by intermediate players.
The piece was conceived for small-scale settings—such as salon culture of the time and domestic musicales.
It emphasizes the shared joy of performance, allowing two players to breathe together and craft a unified interpretation.
It’s a recommended addition to the repertoire of anyone who enjoys playing the piano.
Waltz of ParisCatherine Rollin
Composer Catherine Rollin, who gained popularity for her beautiful melodies, is a well-known figure to anyone familiar with piano music.
This time, I’d like to introduce her piece “Parisian Waltz.” While it may be on the minor side within this ranking, its melody is very catchy, and it features a clear structure with a modest yet sparkling main theme.
The difficulty level is approachable even for beginners, so it’s a must-hear for those attempting their first piano duet.
[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool & Dazzling Pieces (21–30)
A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo
As Shiina Ringo’s second 2015 release, the single “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri” has been arranged into a stylish and cool piano duet.
Needless to say, a cool song is already cool in its original form, but here’s a piano duet arrangement that will satisfy even fans.
Every section—verse, pre-chorus, and chorus—sounds great, but the real highlight is the solo in the middle.
In the original, the piano solo takes over from the brass section, but in this duet arrangement, everything is perfectly recreated with just the piano.
It preserves the atmosphere while bringing out the best of jazz and piano.
This is what you’d call a high-quality arrangement.
Even if you’re not a fan of Shiina Ringo, the piece stands on its own as a piano duet, and if performed with flair, it’s sure to captivate the audience.
Even from a listener’s perspective, this arrangement is thoroughly convincing and very enjoyable.