[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 (41–50)
Suite “Dolly” Op. 56 No. 1: Berceuse (Lullaby)Gabriel Faure
Gabriel Fauré is a composer highly acclaimed for his distinctive musicality.
His Dolly Suite is one of his representative works, dedicated to Hélène, the daughter of the Bardac family.
The first piece, “Berceuse,” serves as the opening of the suite and is shaped by gently flowing broken chords.
While the solo version requires roughly an intermediate level of skill, the four-hand (piano duet) arrangement becomes approachable even for beginners—so do give it a try.
Slavonic Dance, Op. 46 No. 5Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Dvořák—known as the composer of Symphony No.
9 in E minor, Op.
95, B.
178, popularly called “From the New World”—also left us the Slavonic Dances.
Comprising a total of 16 pieces across two sets, they were originally written for piano four hands and later orchestrated by the composer himself.
The fifth piece of the first set lets you enjoy both a bright, cheerful mood and a charming, delicate atmosphere.
Although it is a technically demanding work for duet, the moment your performance truly clicks, you’ll be swept up in an indescribable exhilaration.
Give it a try!
My Neighbor Totoro – Duet VersionHisaishi Joe
This is a duet version for two pianos of the main theme from a classic Studio Ghibli animated film.
The gentle, warm melody and the rich sonority woven by four hands blend beautifully, further enhancing the charm of the original piece.
Featured on the celebrated album “My Neighbor Totoro Soundtrack,” released alongside the film in 1988, its bright and lively character is sure to soothe listeners.
Requiring tightly coordinated ensemble playing, this is a piece you’ll want to tackle with fellow piano lovers.
Its arrangement shines in recitals and concerts alike, captivating audiences.
An ideal work for pianists looking to refine both expressive depth and solid technique.
Suite “The Carnival of the Animals,” No. 14: FinaleCamille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns’s signature work, The Carnival of the Animals, is also very popular in Japan and often heard in media such as commercials.
Among its movements, I’d like to highlight the highly recommended Suite “The Carnival of the Animals,” No.
14: Finale.
As the title suggests, this piece crowns the suite as its finale, and its structure is suitably grand and brilliant.
It’s a piece that easily creates a vivid atmosphere, making it an excellent first choice for those attempting piano four hands for the first time.
The Carnival of the Animals, No. 12: FossilsCamille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns’s famous “The Carnival of the Animals, No.
12: Fossils” is renowned as a work that shines in piano four-hands.
It’s richly expressive, featuring many developments that are enjoyable both to play and to listen to.
As for difficulty, it sits about the middle of the intermediate level.
While it doesn’t demand advanced technique, the difficulty naturally rises when you aim for nuanced expression.
For a better performance, be sure to align your understanding of the structure with your duet partner in advance.
typhoon→Pia-no-jaC
This piece is by the duo →Pia-no-jaC←, featuring HAYATO on piano and HIRO on the cajón, a percussion instrument originating in Peru.
The original is written for piano and cajón, but sheet music for piano four-hands aimed at intermediate to advanced players is also available.
With its stylish, contemporary vibe, it’s sure to hook you once you play it! In addition to clearly articulating the lively rhythms, be sure to breathe together and align your timing perfectly in sections where the tempo changes or the dynamics shift abruptly.
From The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires: SpringÁstor Piazzolla
Argentine tango is a popular genre for piano duets.
In particular, the works of Astor Piazzolla, the father of Argentine tango, are very popular.
Among Piazzolla’s pieces, a work I especially recommend is Spring from The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.
Its difficulty is on the higher end of intermediate, characterized by somewhat large leaps across the keyboard.
The dramatic dynamics also make it particularly striking to listen to.
Be sure to check it out.