[Intermediate] Recommended Piano Duets | A Curated Selection of Cool and Dazzling Pieces

The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: No. 3, Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Tchaikovsky

PTNA 2014 Competition National Finals / Advanced Duet, Silver Prize: Rie Furuuchi & Mai Furuuchi — Tchaikovsky: From The Nutcracker, Op. 71 — 3. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; 4. Trepak

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet music The Nutcracker is beloved not only as a full ballet score, but also as an orchestral suite—and even in performances for piano four hands and two pianos.

The third piece, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, is notable for its celesta part with its charming, delicate high tones, but when played on the piano it takes on a somewhat more subdued atmosphere.

While using the orchestral performance—so characteristic of ballet music—as a reference, aim for a rich, nuanced interpretation that only piano four-hands can achieve.

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Suite in Miniature No. 4: BalletClaude Debussy

Piano Duo Dahlia Piano Four Hands Little Suite 4. Ballet / Debussy

Petite Suite, a work composed in Claude Debussy’s youth, is a four-movement piece for piano four hands, celebrated for its brilliant and elegant atmosphere.

The fourth movement, “Ballet,” unfolds from a lively opening through a waltz-like middle section to a grand finale.

It was premiered in Paris in February 1889 by Debussy himself together with pianist Jacques Durand.

The delicate timbres reminiscent of Impressionist painting are beautifully fused with the lightness characteristic of ballet music.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who enjoy piano duets or wish to explore Debussy’s early works.

Prelude from the opera “Carmen”Georges Bizet

From the opera Carmen: 'Prelude' by Bizet (piano four hands)

Carmen is one of the most famous operas in the world.

This time, I recommend the Prelude from the opera Carmen.

The piece as a whole has an energetic feel.

Whether you are playing the accompaniment or the main melody, you must internalize the rhythm thoroughly; otherwise, the performance can quickly fall apart.

It’s important to practice carefully with a metronome.

Since it’s a crowd-pleasing piece, consider it as a candidate for a recital.

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Ryo

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Six Pieces, Op. 11: No. 6 “Slava (Glory)”Sergei Rachmaninov

38th Prize Winners' Commemorative Concert – Intermediate Duet [Gold Prize] Ikumi Osamura / Takumi Osamura — Rachmaninoff: from “Six Pieces,” Slava (Glory), Op. 11 No. 6

Sergei Rachmaninoff, the Russian composer often hailed as the greatest classical composer of the 20th century, wrote the duet collection Six Morceaux, Op.

11.

The final piece, Slava, whose title means “glory,” combines serenity with Rachmaninoff’s signature brilliance.

In this piece, it’s essential to boldly convey the shifting moods as the music unfolds.

While keeping the thematic melodies scattered throughout the work in mind, perform with full sensitivity to the differing atmospheres of each section.

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Spanish Dance, Op. 12 No. 3Moritz Moszkowski

[Piano Duet] Spanish Dances Op.12-3 — Moszkowski/Classical/Piano Duo Lumière/Spanish Dances Moszkowski/Classic/4-Hands Piano

Moritz Moszkowski, who was active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

One piece from his 1876 collection of piano duets is the work introduced here.

Incorporating the rhythms and spirit of Spanish folk dance, this piece is characterized by its bright, lively tone.

Thanks to its light, dynamic character, it is frequently featured in concerts and educational settings.

Because it requires two performers to engage in an interwoven, conversational style of playing, the work tests not only technical ability but also musical expressiveness.

It’s highly recommended for those seeking a dazzling and stylish duet.

Merry-Go-Round of Life from the film Howl’s Moving CastleHisaishi Joe

From “Howl’s Moving Castle” — Merry-Go-Round of Life (Piano Duet) / Howl’s Moving Castle: Merry-Go-Round of Life (Piano)

Among Studio Ghibli’s works, the beloved classic Howl’s Moving Castle is especially popular.

“Merry-Go-Round of Life” from this film is one of the elements that beautifully colors the movie and is cherished by many as a musical piece in its own right.

It has been performed in various arrangements and has a character that suits piano four-hands perfectly.

With a wide range of sheet music available, you’ll have no trouble finding versions for intermediate players.

It’s a dazzling and well-known piece, so it’s sure to make a striking impression at a recital! Choose an arrangement that fits the performer’s level and enjoy the world of Studio Ghibli.

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Slavonic Dance Op. 46 No. 10Antonin Dvořák

Slavonic Dance in E minor, Op. 72, No. 2 by Antonin Dvořák

One of the dances composed by the great Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.

It was originally written for piano four hands and later orchestrated.

Its structure alternates between a leisurely, plaintive melody and lively, dance-like sections.

Incorporating the Ukrainian folk-music form known as the dumka, the piece brims with Slavic spirit and emotional depth.

The first set was composed in 1878, and together with the subsequent second set, it forms a collection of 16 dances.

It was also used as background music in the game Civilization IV, making it a highly recommended piece even for those not familiar with classical music.